Energy

Solar energy is increasing in Texas, ranking third in residential solar power generation, though only 20th per capita due to limited incentives and net metering. Local initiatives like "Solar Switch Dallas" promote solar adoption, while experts advise buyers to educate themselves and seek group purchasing for cost efficiencies.

Frigid weather in Texas caused industrial facilities to release over a million pounds of air pollution due to machinery failures and power outages. This highlights a regulatory loophole that allows companies to exceed emissions limits during weather-induced upsets, prompting calls for stricter enforcement.

Dallas-Fort Worth residents can provide input on the regional climate action plan through public meetings and an online survey. NCTCOG is developing a plan funded by the EPA to improve air quality and reduce emissions. Public feedback will shape finalized strategies focusing on energy and transportation.

Last year, my daughter and I unknowingly rented an electric vehicle to visit my mother-in-law north of Boston. Unfamiliar with EVs, we relied on Google to learn how to charge it. Despite initial challenges, we discovered charging stations and EV basics. This experience highlighted the need for rental companies to inform customers about EVs.

Midland, Texas is challenging Pilot Water Solutions' permits to inject oil wastewater near T-Bar Ranch, a vital water source. The Railroad Commission conceded Midland's standing to contest these permits due to environmental concerns. Midland's case highlights tensions between water needs and wastewater disposal in West Texas.

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.

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.