At the Western Governors’ Association workshop in Denver, officials discussed how to modernize transmission, permitting and funding to meet a projected 20-35 percent surge in electricity demand.
Fueled by explosive growth in population and industry, Texas’ total energy use has risen 21 percent since 2007 even as the nation’s overall consumption declined.
Local leaders see data centers, which help power the world’s shift to artificial intelligence, as a way to keep their towns open. Residents worry their way of life — and water — is at stake.
Once among the nation’s renewable pioneers, the state now gets only 4 percent of its electricity from renewables and ranks 49th in renewable growth.
The proposed program mirrors the COVID-era “Save The Dream” initiative, though in a reduced form: eligibility narrowed and benefits capped much lower than before.
Statesville cited economic benefits in rezoning 330 acres of farmland, even as residents warned of noise, pollution and lost rural character.
Legislators also agreed to boost domestic oil production through new drilling permits.
The regional economy is expanding, but growth is beginning to collide with stark realities about natural resources that are already strained.
A new statewide energy code seeks to lower emissions and utility bills, but homebuilders may push back over concerns about affordability.
A grid spanning 13 states can’t meet soaring electricity demand. An outside analytics firm recommends that large data centers generate their own.
Local government jobs weren’t a focus for career technical education at a Central Texas school district until a new human resources director came to Cedar Park.
With scorching temperatures blanketing nearly half the country, power providers brace for peak demand as cities issue health warnings and transit systems slow under the strain.
Even where abundantly available, the costs of clean water are rising faster than the CPI. Where it’s scarce, there’s double trouble. Ultimately, securing enough clean and affordable water will require state laws mandating realistic long-term pricing.
We don't just need to fix America's streets and crosswalks and storm drains. We need to think about what — and who — they're for, and bring ethics into the equation.
Outdated transmission infrastructure can’t deliver the power that’s being generated. State policymakers can make it easier to build new lines and make older ones much more efficient.
Oregon-based Pacificorp is pushing shield bills in its home state after convincing lawmakers in three other states to offer utilities financial protection if they take preventative steps.
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