Tag Archives: coal
After Failing to Prop Up Coal in Texas, Rick Perry is Trying Again Nationwide
As energy secretary, Perry is proposing to guarantee profits for uncompetitive coal plants in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
In late 2005, then-Governor Rick Perry was in the middle of a protracted battle with a coalition of environmentalists, renewable energy advocates, mayors and lo...Read More
Facing Tougher Pollution Regulations, Texas Coal Plants Want Old EPA Rule Back
In 2011, Texas sued to block an EPA rule. Now nine Texas coal plants are facing more stringent regulations as a result.
Texas’ latest attempt to dodge federal pollution regulations appears to have backfired, as the Environmental Protection Agency is now pushing more stringe...Read More
Editorial: Pressing On in a Media Landscape Under Threat
Even in these tumultuous times, the Observer hasn’t strayed from its mission to produce truth-speaking journalism that inspires change from the top....Read More
Report: Seven Texas Coal Plants Could Close in Coming Years
Some plants are likely to lose hundreds of millions of dollars, Public Citizen says.
The plants will struggle to turn a profit due to low natural gas prices and increasing competition and regulations, according to a new report....Read More
Green Groups Urge Lawmakers: Don’t Leave Taxpayers on the Hook for Coal Cleanup
Following an Observer investigation into loose coal regulations that could put taxpayers on the hook for mine cleanup, green groups are demanding change....Read More
Mine Games
With little more than a promise, the Texas Railroad Commission is trusting a struggling coal industry to pay for the cost of cleaning up old mines.
In mid-2014, Texas’ biggest utility, Energy Future Holdings, was about to file for bankruptcy, and Texas regulators suddenly had a big problem on their hands...Read More
Powering Down
The owner of Texas’ biggest fleet of coal-fired power plants is trying to wiggle out of paying its property taxes.
The owner of Texas’ biggest fleet of coal-fired power plants is trying to wiggle out of paying its property taxes....Read More
TCEQ: Contested Coal Mine Can Release Wastewater Into Drinking Supply
Locals called the environmental regulators' decision ‘unconscionable.’
Locals called the TCEQ's decision "unconscionable," saying that wastewater from the mine will pollute drinking water for Maverick County residents....Read More
Q&A: What Houston Can Do About All Those Floods
The Observer interviews Oilpatch Democrats founder James Cargas about how to mitigate flood damage in Houston. Step one? Follow the rules....Read More