On this day in 1901, the future of Texas changed dramatically as, like a fountain of fortune, thousands of barrels of oil burst from the earth toward the sky.
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EnergyVideoVIDEO: Railroad Commissioner-Elect Jim Wright on His Victory and Coming Job
Michelle ArledgeDecember 15, 2020
Jim Wright joins reporter Brad Johnson on The Texan's "Voices of Texas" podcast to discuss his rise in Texas politics and the state's energy sector.
87th LegislatureEnergyTaxes & SpendingTransportation2021 Contribution to Texas’ Rainy Day Fund Much Lower than Last Year
Brad JohnsonNovember 25, 2020
Due to depressed oil and gas production tax collections, this year's state savings account transfer was 30 percent less than last year.
Elections 2020EnergyRepublican Jim Wright Wins Railroad Commission Seat in a Landslide, Victorious Over Massive Democratic Effort
Brad JohnsonNovember 6, 2020
After Tuesday's Railroad Commission results, Democrat's three-decade-long losing streak for a spot on the state's oil and gas regulatory body will continue.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020EnergyBiden’s Energy Plan: Here’s Where Texas Congressional Candidates Stand On Phasing Out Oil and Gas
Brad JohnsonOctober 27, 2020
The Texan asked candidates in the most competitive Texas federal races to state their position on Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan to transition away from the oil and gas industry.
Elections 2020EnergyIssuesMichael Bloomberg Throws $2.6 Million Cash Behind Democratic Railroad Commission Candidate
Brad JohnsonOctober 26, 2020
With a cash infusion provided by the former New York City mayor, the Railroad Commission race becomes even more contentious despite being overshadowed by other races on the ballot.
EnergyTexas’ Oil and Gas Industry Facing Uncertainty Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Stabilizing as Election Looms
Brad JohnsonOctober 22, 2020
Texas oil and gas has taken a hit during the pandemic, but the industry has stabilized some since the initial downturn.
EnergyStatewide NewsTexas’ Unemployment Rate Rises to 8.3% as Midland-Odessa Struggles
Brad JohnsonOctober 16, 2020
Despite adding a net of 40,700 jobs, Texas' unemployment rate increased from August to September due to the workforce contracting.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020EnergyFederalEnergy Policy Clash Looms in Houston Battleground Congressional District
Holly HansenSeptember 15, 2020
As freshman Democrat Rep. Lizzie Fletcher seeks to fend off Republican Wesley Hunt, a national debate over energy policies looms over the district known as the Energy Capital of the World.
EnergyFederalJoe Biden’s Plan to Sunset Federal Drilling Permits Could Eliminate 120,000 Texas Jobs
Brad JohnsonSeptember 10, 2020
Biden's energy plan contains aspects of the Green New Deal but he is not in favor of an outright fracking ban. Instead, he's touting a lukewarm version that would phase out drilling on federal land and waters.
EnergyCalifornia Blackouts Highlight Contrast with Texas Energy, Provide Forewarning
Brad JohnsonSeptember 7, 2020
Last summer, Texans nearly experienced similar rolling blackouts to what Californians faced just a few weeks ago.
EnergyIssuesJoe Biden Toes Democrat Fault Lines in Energy Plan, Hot Button Issue in Texas
Brad JohnsonAugust 25, 2020
Here’s a look at how Vice President Joe Biden’s energy plan, a mix of progressive and more moderate proposals, could impact Texas.
EnergyStatewide NewsOil and Gas Lawsuit has Trivial Ties to Railroad Commissioner Candidate Jim Wright
Brad JohnsonAugust 17, 2020
A connection between Wright and environmental violations made by a company he once owned was brought to light, but they occurred after he sold the entity and he has since remediated the problems caused by his purchaser.
Almost a year after first announcing a plan to roll back methane regulations, the EPA and Trump administration will move forward with a plan to eliminate Obama-era rules.
Elections 2020EnergyHealthcareTaxes & SpendingRep. Michael McCaul to Face Rematch from 2018 Challenger Mike Siegel in 10th Congressional District
Brad JohnsonAugust 10, 2020
Two years after losing by four points to Rep. Michael McCaul, progressive Democrat Mike Siegel is running to finish what he started in 2018.
Elections 2020EnergyVisit by President Trump Highlights Struggle of Texas’ Oil & Gas Industry and the Importance of Recovery
Brad JohnsonJuly 29, 2020
During his stop in the Permian Basin, President Trump contrasted his energy policies with Joe Biden's, as polls show Texas is more competitive than it was four years ago.
Elections 2020EnergyDemocrats in Railroad Commission Race See Opportunity After GOP Primary Upset
Brad JohnsonJuly 9, 2020
Texas Democrats have not held a statewide position in over 20 years, but after an encouraging 2018 midterm election, some see opportunity in the Railroad Commission race.
EnergyNew “WOTUS” Rule Goes into Effect, Restricts Regulatory Reach of EPA
Brad JohnsonJune 23, 2020
About five months since its announcement, the Trump Administration's new WOTUS rule goes into effect after a federal judge denied a motion for an injunction.
With the coronavirus pandemic drastically changing the typical demand models, Texas' energy regulator braces for a hot summer.
EnergyLocal NewsBell County Residents Voice Concern Over Solar Farm Proposal
Bill PeacockMay 14, 2020
Residents voiced hesitations about a proposed solar farm at a county commissioner's meeting, citing tax abatements and health concerns as reasons for pause.