Renewable energy companies turn to Texas manufacturers for components
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 30, 2020
Manufacturing in the renewable energy sector is on the rise in Texas, according to a trade association.
TRA: Abbott expanding occupancy to 75% for businesses will allow more sales
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 29, 2020
Gov. Gregg Abbott’s new executive orders expanding occupancy levels for retailers is expected to help them compete and service more customers in brick-and-mortar stores, according to the Texas Retailers Association (TRA).
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order 'paves the way for the grid of tomorrow,' spokesman says
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 25, 2020
Market barriers for rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources (DERs) were removed Sept. 17 after a 2-1 vote by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Child victims of human trafficking find a safe place to recover at The Refuge in Austin
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 15, 2020
Human trafficking is considered the fastest growing underground industry, generating $32 billion a year, according to the Center for Public Policy Studies. At 79,000 cases, Texas has the second most reported number of child sex trafficking incidents in the U.S.
Experts partly blame energy price spike on ORDC, Texas heat and wind
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 15, 2020
When the wind dropped and energy prices spiked on Monday Aug. 31, Michael Giberson wasn’t surprised
Experts observe 7 reasons why batteries can't provide a solution to renewable energy's unreliability
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 14, 2020
The Chisholm Grid project in Houston is touted as one of the world’s largest stand-alone battery storage facilities because it is allegedly capable of providing 100 megawatts to help the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) maintain and stabilize the state’s grid, according to media reports.
Energy Alliance study: Variable weather conditions lead to renewable unreliability, $3.6 billion tax
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 14, 2020
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is allegedly responding to the issue of reliability among renewable energy projects by instituting a $3.6 billion electricity tax on Texans through an Operating Reserve Demand Curve (ORDC) administrative cost, according to a new Energy Alliance study.
College Station ISD successfully reopens after surveying staff, families
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 11, 2020
When the College Station Independent School District ISD offered parents the option for their children to attend class virtually or return to class in person on Aug. 18, 68% opted to return to the classroom on-site, according to school officials.
Energy Alliance: Renewables put consumers at risk for outages, add $3.6 billion energy tax
By Juliette Fairley | Sep 11, 2020
Van Zandt County resident David Dunagan is fighting a proposed solar farm, alleging it would plant an industrial facility directly around residences and create a revenue path of tax dollars, credits, carbon offsets and subsidies directly to their bottom line
Energy economist explains predatory pricing practices in Texas' electric grid
By Juliette Fairley | Aug 24, 2020
Predatory pricing is selling at less than cost, which can result in ousting competitors from the market, according to energy analyst.
Devils River Conservancy joins opposition of Chinese billionaire's wind farm project
By Juliette Fairley | Aug 14, 2020
Opponents of the Blue Hills Wind Farm in Val Verde County, proposed by a Chinese billionaire with ties to the Communist Party, argue that the project will cut into taxpayer benefits, endanger local wildlife and interfere with operations at the largest pilot training Air Force base in the U.S.
San Antonio distillery owner wants Abbott to ease 'bar' restrictions for distilleries, breweries
By Juliette Fairley | Aug 12, 2020
The thought that distilleries or breweries could permanently close due to COVID-19 restrictions saddens the owner of Ranger Creek Brewing and Distillery.
Houston's NRG Energy to acquire Direct Energy if approved by state and federal regulators
By Juliette Fairley | Jul 30, 2020
The merging parties must prove that the union will not harm competition and will lead to better customer terms
Austin lawmaker seeks reconsideration of STAAR exam requirement
By Juliette Fairley | Jul 15, 2020
STAAR testing increasingly under scrutiny due to COVID-19
East Texas lawmaker urges Abbott to ask federal government to waive STAAR requirements
By Juliette Fairley | Jul 15, 2020
STAAR testing requirement increasingly under scrutiny due to COVID-19
Patterson joins movement to waive STAAR testing requirement for Texas students
By Juliette Fairley | Jul 6, 2020
STAAR testing requirement increasingly under scrutiny due to COVID-19
The Texas Tribune allegedly 'got ahead in line' for federal PPP money
By Juliette Fairley | Jun 24, 2020
Despite showing more than $10.9 million in revenue, Texas Tribune applied and secured COVID-19 PPP money
Rep. Shaheen joins call to waive STAAR accountability ratings during pandemic
By Juliette Fairley | Jun 23, 2020
Support rising to suspend exam accountability ratings
Texas lawmaker seeks suspension of STAAR exam until May 2021
By Juliette Fairley | Jun 19, 2020
The high-stakes accountability ratings of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam should be suspended through May 2021, according to state Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Van).
U.S. Rep. Gooden: Hotel borrowers are being charged "exorbitant fees"
By Juliette Fairley | Jun 19, 2020
Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) is encouraging legislative action to stop some Commercial Mortgage-Backed Security (CMBS) lenders that are taking advantage of the government lockdown by charging their hotel borrowers exorbitant fees.
