EnergyFederalDistrict Judge Pauses President Biden’s Oil and Gas Drilling Halt on Federal Land, Citing Lack of Congressional Approval
Brad JohnsonJune 18, 2021
Execution of the order is postponed until further decision on the case.
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EnergyFederalStatewide NewsGas Prices Rise with Vaccine Distribution, Biden Administration’s Environmental Policies
Brad JohnsonMarch 24, 2021
The prices Texans pay at the pump have increased of late, but the cause is a complicated mix of policy and macro-economic factors.
EnergyFederalGov. Abbott Signs Oil and Gas Executive Order Targeting Federal Overreach
Daniel FriendJanuary 28, 2021
Gov. Abbott signed an executive order instructing state agencies to identify potential litigation or other opportunities to prevent federal overreach against the energy industry.
EnergyFederalBiden Executive Order Prohibits New Oil Drilling on Federal Lands
Brad JohnsonJanuary 27, 2021
One of the executive orders issued by the Biden administration in the president's first week on the job is a prohibition against new drilling operations on federal lands.
The Keystone XL pipeline project faces a renewed barrier as President Joe Biden revoked its permit granted under his predecessor, Donald Trump.
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.
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.
Statewide NewsTaxes & SpendingRising Texas Sales Tax Collections Still Down 6.3 Percent from November 2019
Brad JohnsonDecember 1, 2020
November's sales tax collections show stronger consumer spending levels, but still indicate a long road ahead when the legislature convenes in January.
Elections 2020FederalFreshman Democrat Lizzie Fletcher Wins Reelection to Houston’s Energy Corridor District
Holly HansenNovember 4, 2020
Freshman Democrat Lizzie Fletcher has won reelection to Houston-area Congressional District 7 with just over 50 percent of the vote.
Texas' 38 electoral votes will go to Donald Trump, though mailed ballots may keep the national result up in the air.
Taxes & SpendingSales Tax Revenues Still Behind 2019 Pace, October Total Down 3.5% from Previous Year
Brad JohnsonNovember 2, 2020
Texas' oil and gas industry continues to limp through the pandemic, further illustrated by the depreciated production taxes remitted to the state.
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.
AudioWeekly Roundup Podcast: Antitrust Suit Against Google, Tinslee Lewis Update, Oil and Gas Industry Trends
Michelle ArledgeOctober 23, 2020
Catch up on the week's hottest stories in Texas politics with the reporting team at The Texan.
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.
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.
Statewide NewsTexas Adds 31,000 Jobs in July, Unemployment Rate Drops to 8 Percent
Brad JohnsonAugust 21, 2020
Texas' economy as a whole is still showing signs of continued improvement despite Governor Abbott's reclosure order in late June.
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.
Electricity from Texas wind farms hit its highest market share in April, while demand for oil is down over 10 percent resulting in unemployment for many in the industry.
IssuesTaxes & SpendingRecent Local Tax Shortfalls Point Toward Declines in Revenue Across the State
Bill PeacockApril 30, 2020
Though the longterm revenue effects of coronavirus on Texas are still coming into focus, local municipalities have begun to feel the repercussions.