Latest News
TXOGA President Staples: 'Operational efficiencies are driving strong production with fewer rigs, which can translate to declining industry job numbers'
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 26, 2024
Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), stated that "operational efficiencies are driving strong production with fewer rigs, which can translate to declining industry job numbers" after the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) released data indicating a drop in Texas upstream oil and gas employment figures.
Energy Alliance paper shows governments increased cost of Texas electricity by nearly $20 billion in 2023
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 20, 2024
The Energy Alliance has released a paper indicating that the federal government, the Texas state government, and local governments across the Lone Star State collectively raised the cost of electricity in the area served by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) by nearly $20 billion in 2023.
Energy experts question whether subsidies will improve Texas grid reliability
By Lone Star Standar reports | Jul 5, 2024
Several energy experts recently questioned whether Texas’ massive increase in subsidies for generators will be effective in addressing the rapidly growing reliability problems caused by renewable energy.
Texas opens comment period for new air quality permit for natural gas EGUs
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 1, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is proposing a new non-rule air quality standard permit for natural gas-fired electric generating units (NG EGUs). The public can make comments and participate in a public meeting regarding this proposed permit.
Texas Nuclear Alliance to host inaugural Texas Nuclear Summit in November
By Lone Star Standard | Jun 26, 2024
The Texas Nuclear Alliance (TNC) announced that it will host the inaugural Texas Nuclear Summit later this year. The event is scheduled to be held in Austin from November 17-19, 2024, with registration ongoing.
TXOGA analysis shows Texas broke energy records, increased market share
By Lone Star Standard | Jun 18, 2024
An analysis by the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) reveals that the state has broken records in its production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs), as well as in its export activities. Texas also marked its fifth consecutive year as the United States’ leading state in crude oil production and natural gas-marketing production.
TCEQ approves fines totaling $921,054
By Lone Star Standard | Jun 13, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) today approved penalties totaling $814,627 against 33 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.
Dan Patrick: 'We Must Bring New Dispatchable Generation To Texas To Ensure We Maintain Reliable Power Under Any Circumstance'
By Lone Star Standard | Jun 7, 2024
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has responded to the significant number of applicants seeking government subsidies to build new natural gas-fired electric generation plants. In a May 31 statement, Patrick said, "As of this morning, 81 applicants representing over 41 gigawatts of dispatchable power generation projects have applied for the competitive low-interest loan program provided through the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) to keep up with our growing state."
Texas opens $92 million rebate grants program for NOx emission reduction
By Lone Star Standard | Jun 5, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is now accepting applications for the 2024 Rebate Grants Program. An estimated $92 million in funding is available to assist in reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by upgrading or replacing on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles and select non-road diesel equipment within Texas nonattainment areas and affected counties.
ERCOT forecasts that renewables will continue to dominate the Texas electric grid
By Lone Star Standard | May 31, 2024
The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) released projections last week indicating that intermittent wind and solar generation will continue to dominate the Texas grid for the next decade. The projections were contained in ERCOT's annual Report on the Capacity, Demand and Reserves, which predicts the growth of electric demand and the amount of generation available to power Texas' growing economy.
ERCOT hosts Innovation Summit to explore solutions to Texas grid problems
By Lone Star Standard | May 30, 2024
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) recently held its inaugural Innovation Summit, focusing on the role of innovation in transforming the energy sector. The conference, which took place on May 21, explored ways to address the implications of the rapid growth of renewable energy in Texas.
Public Utility Commission unanimously appoints Corona executive director
By Lone Star Standard | May 30, 2024
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) has officially appointed Connie Corona as the agency's executive director. Corona, who had been serving in the position on an interim basis since February 1, 2024, received a unanimous vote to secure the role permanently.
TWDB requests public input on first-ever state flood plan
By Lone Star Standard | May 30, 2024
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is inviting public input regarding the creation of the state's inaugural flood plan, set to be presented to the Texas Legislature by September 1, 2024. The initiative stems from Senate Bill (SB) 8, passed by lawmakers half a decade ago.
FERC requires states to expand transmission of renewable energy
By Lone Star Standard | May 22, 2024
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has enacted a new rule that mandates states to accommodate transmission needs stemming from the proliferation of renewable energy in the resource mix. The rule includes "requirements addressing how transmission providers must conduct long-term planning for regional transmission."
Texas Oil and Gas Association President: ‘This decision hamstrings our ability to meet the world’s ever-growing energy demands’
By Lone Star Standard | May 10, 2024
Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA), has expressed concern over the Biden Administration's decision to halt approvals for liquified natural gas export permits. He stated that this move could have negative repercussions on the state's economy. Staples voiced these concerns during his testimony at a hearing of the Texas House Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports in Port Arthur on May 2.
TXOGA safety group receives $3.84M in dividends from Texas Mutual
By Lone Star Standard | May 9, 2024
Members of the Texas Oil & Gas Association’s (TXOGA) Workers’ Compensation Safety Group have received $3.84 million in dividends from the Texas Mutual Insurance Company. The policyholder-owned company, Texas Mutual, distributes dividends to policyholders who maintain successful safety records.
Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham opposes federal offshore wind turbine auction
By Lone Star Standard | May 9, 2024
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has expressed her opposition to the proposed federal auction of offshore lands for wind turbine construction in a letter addressed to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The letter, dated April 29, highlighted several recent failures of offshore wind projects in U.S. waters.
CPS Energy plans to shut down part of the Braunig Power Station
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 30, 2024
CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned provider of electric and natural gas services in Texas, has informed the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the manager of the state's electric grid, of its intention to decommission the three oldest natural gas-fired generating units at its Braunig Power Plant. The notification was issued on March 13.
Declining wind generation is not keeping up with increased demand for electricity in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 24, 2024
The latest report on the electricity generation mix in Texas reveals a decline in wind power generation amidst an increased use of electricity across most of the state. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the grid for approximately 90% of Texas, indicates that wind generation has decreased by over 7% for the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year.
Texas Permanent School Fund fires BlackRock as investment manager
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 19, 2024
The Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation (Texas PSF) has issued a letter to BlackRock Investment Management, terminating its role as the investment manager for $8.5 billion of PSF funds that support Texas public schools. The decision is in line with a 2021 Texas law mandating state agencies to divest from investment firms that boycott energy companies under environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies.
