Energy

Batteries supplied a record 2,172 megawatts of electricity to the Texas grid, meeting high demand amid emergency conditions. Battery storage is expanding rapidly, aided by decreasing costs and federal incentives, and is crucial as Texas transitions to renewable energy, despite legislative challenges and exclusion from certain tax benefits.

Texas starts imposing a $200 annual fee on electric vehicle (EV) drivers as of today, arguing they should contribute to road infrastructure. This decision, backed by Senate Bill 505, has sparked debate over its fairness and potential barriers to EV adoption, especially among low-income Texans.

Tarrant County joined the Texas Solar for All Consortium, reversing a previous rejection, after efforts by Commissioner Alisa Simmons. The coalition seeks federal funds for solar projects aiding low-income residents. Despite some public opposition, a 3-1 vote favored joining, aiming to enhance Tarrant County's economic and environmental profile.

Texas is advancing the discharge of produced water from oil and gas drilling into waterways, despite lacking comprehensive risk assessments and regulation for all contaminants. Researchers express concerns over potential health and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more scientific data before proceeding with permits for this unproven practice.

Texas is advancing the discharge of produced water from oil and gas drilling into waterways, despite lacking comprehensive risk assessments and regulation for all contaminants. Researchers express concerns over potential health and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more scientific data before proceeding with permits for this unproven practice.

On July 26, a judge declined to halt Arlington’s new gas well permits issuance, despite allegations from Liveable Arlington and residents that the city violated ordinances. Arlington issued permits to Total Energies. The case, challenging the city’s permitting process, is expected to proceed to appeals court.

The 30th Solar Car Challenge, meant to end in Los Angeles County, was canceled in El Paso due to COVID-19, with 14 staff and team members testing positive. Despite the early end, awards were based on three days of racing, offering valuable experiences to participants.

Developer NextDecade has secured $5.9 billion for a large gas terminal in the Rio Grande delta, with five compressors processing 5.4 million tons of LNG annually, marking significant growth in Texas' energy exports despite opposition from local activists and environmental concerns.

The 30th annual Solar Car Challenge, a cross-country race from Fort Worth to Palmdale, CA, begins Sunday. Featuring 20 high school teams, the event highlights student-designed solar-powered cars. Established in 1993, the Challenge promotes STEM education and alternative energy with workshops and extensive preparations.

In 2023, Texas legislators ignored proposals to enhance energy efficiency and curb greenhouse gas emissions while promoting laws that hinder local climate actions and favor fossil fuels. Despite some successes in water management and penalties for pollution, significant environmental justice proposals failed to advance.