Latest News
New natural gas-fueled power plant planned for Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 21, 2024
A new natural gas generation plant, with the capacity to power 800,000 Texas homes, is set to be constructed in Central Texas. The plant will be built by Sandow Lakes Energy Company and is expected to start generating electricity by 2028.
Wind generation in Texas continues its decline from last year
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 19, 2024
In January, production from Texas wind farms declined by 22% compared to the same month last year, as per data recently released by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the state's grid. This decrease continues a year-long slump for wind energy.
TCEQ Releases 5 Pre-Proposals for Public Comment for RESTORE Funding
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 18, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has released five pre-proposals for public comment for program areas within Texas for Bucket 2/Funded Priorities List (FPL) 4. According to Toby Baker, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Greg Abbott and the governor’s appointee to the RESTORE Council, these pre-proposals aim to address various environmental concerns in Texas.Among the pre-proposals is the program focusing on "Protection and conservation of current wetland and future wetland mitigation corridors," which aims to protect existing wetlands and coastal...
Legislation would require Texas to connect its electric grid to the U.S. grid
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 16, 2024
U.S. Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas) has proposed legislation aimed at integrating the Texas grid with the national grid system. The current setup sees Texas operating independently, a decision made to avoid federal government control over its grid.
Troubled solar company Orsted announces deal with Bloomberg
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 15, 2024
Orsted, a prominent renewable energy developer in the U.S., has entered into a power purchase agreement with Bloomberg. As part of this deal, Bloomberg will procure power from Orsted's Mockingbird Solar Center located in Paris, Texas. This move aligns with Bloomberg's commitment to a global corporate initiative that encourages companies to source 100 percent of their electricity from renewable energy.
What Can We Expect From Electric Utilities This Year?
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 12, 2024
Electric utilities in Texas are being urged to invest more in energy efficiency programs that can benefit both consumers and the environment. Last year, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) reviewed the plans presented by electric utilities responsible for meeting the state's energy efficiency goals. However, it was observed that these utilities tend to spend just enough to meet the minimum requirements and earn performance bonuses. The Sierra Club, an environmental organization, called for stronger investments in these programs to help stabilize the grid, reduce...
Barclays banned from Texas bond market
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 7, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has declared that the investment firm Barclays is no longer eligible to participate in the Texas bond market. This decision follows Barclays' refusal to respond to inquiries from the Texas attorney general's office regarding its commitment to "net zero" carbon emissions.
Texas Oil and Gas Association 2023 report finds record $26.3 billion in local and state taxes generated by the Texas oil and gas industry
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 31, 2024
The Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) recently released an economic impact report, revealing that the Texas oil and natural gas industry contributed $26.3 billion in state and local taxes and royalties in 2023, setting a new record for the state. The report was announced by Todd Staples, president of TXOGA, and it provided an update on the global leadership of the Texas oil and gas industry, its progress towards environmental goals, as well as TXOGA's policy priorities for the future.
OPINION: Texas Supreme Court to Determine Legality of $26 Billion Energy Tax
By Bill Peacock | Jan 26, 2024
Next week, the Texas Supreme Court will hear oral arguments to determine the legality of a 2021 Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) rule that arbitrarily raised the price of electricity to $9,000 per megawatt hour during Winter Storm Uri—about four times the market price at the time.
Renewable Energy Comes Up Short During Texas Freeze
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 19, 2024
During the recent freezing conditions in Texas, the output from renewable energy saw a decline as electricity demand was escalating. Bill Peacock, policy director of the Energy Alliance, utilized data from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to underscore the deficiencies of renewables.
ERCOT says Texas grid operations are expected to be normal
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 12, 2024
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), responsible for managing the operations of the Texas electric grid, declared on Thursday that "grid conditions are expected to be normal, and there is not a current expectation of an energy emergency" in anticipation of the freeze predicted to strike Texas this weekend. The forecast indicates temperatures plunging into single digits as early as Saturday in the Texas Panhandle.
Texas Supreme Court Considers Overturning PUC's $26 Billion Monopoly Tax
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 12, 2024
Energy analyst Bill Peacock has submitted an amicus brief to the Texas Supreme Court this week, endorsing a lower court's decision to overturn the Public Utility Commission of Texas' (PUC) 2021 ruling. The controversial decision imposed a $26 billion monopoly tax on electricity buyers during Winter Storm Uri. The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on the case on January 30.
TPPF initiative submits comments to PUC regarding the proposed interconnection allowance
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
Life: Powered, an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), has submitted comments to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) concerning its proposed interconnection allowances rules. These new rules are a consequence of the enactment of House Bill 1500 by the 88th Legislature.
Mark P. Mills to head new national TPPF initiative on energy
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 4, 2024
Mark P. Mills, a distinguished senior fellow, has joined the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) to spearhead a national initiative focused on ensuring America's access to affordable and reliable energy. This initiative aims to support the country's economic growth and national security. With his extensive background in science and technology, Mills will build upon TPPF's success in developing statewide energy policies and expand it into a broader federal and multi-state campaign.
TPPF’s Life:Powered submits comment on PUC’s proposed interconnection allowances rule
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 4, 2024
Today, Life:Powered, a project of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), has submitted a comment to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regarding the PUC's proposed rule on interconnection allowances for generators. The aim of this proposed rule, in accordance with H.B. 1500 passed during the 88th Legislature, is to reduce the cost burden on Texas ratepayers while ensuring the continued development of reliable generation.
Texas Railroad Commission releases its 2023 Year in Review
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 3, 2024
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has published its 2023 Year in Review, outlining the key stories and accomplishments of the commission throughout the year. The report asserts that the RRC has been successful in safeguarding Texans and the environment, while also exceeding standards established by the legislature.
Mike Sommers: 'This is an important step toward a lower-carbon, more energy-secure future'
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 31, 2023
Mike Sommers, President of the American Petroleum Institute (API), has expressed his appreciation towards the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for granting Louisiana an opportunity to advance in its carbon capture projects. The API is eager to make further progress towards a more sustainable, lower-carbon future.
Refrigerator standards set to cut energy waste
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 29, 2023
The Biden administration has announced new energy-saving standards for home refrigerators and freezers, set to take effect in the coming years. These standards, which will ensure that new appliances sold nationwide consume significantly less energy while maintaining current features and sizes, are expected to have a substantial impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions and promoting energy efficiency.According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the updated standards will result in a reduction of nearly 101 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the course...
Railroad Commission conducts major inspections of critical infrastructure to prepare for this winter
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 27, 2023
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has initiated a series of inspections at major natural gas facilities across the state, beginning in early December. This initiative is part of the RRC's strategy to prepare the state's natural gas supply for the ongoing winter season.
Texas Oil & Gas Association announces PUC's proposed electricity reliability plan for the Permian Basin
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 21, 2023
The Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) has announced that the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) has adopted a proposed electricity reliability plan for the Permian Basin. This announcement was made during a workshop held in Midland, which was led by the PUC and included participants from TXOGA, the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA), and the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.
