The commission doesn’t have anything to do with railroads. It regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry. Here’s where 2026 candidates Bo French, Jon Rosenthal and Arthur DiBianca stand.
energy
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Data Centers in Texas
Greg Abbott ordered a pause on data center permits. Critics say some plans still moved forward.
Public Citizen said the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hadn’t stopped issuing data center permits as required. The agency said it was complying with the directive.
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Politics
In Senate race, Paxton and Talarico each promise relief from rising energy costs in Texas
The candidates are miles apart on climate, but both are making affordability a central issue as Texans grapple with spiking prices.
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Environment
Gov. Greg Abbott broadens moratorium on data center approvals to include environmental permits
The move is the latest in a series of escalating efforts by the governor to slow data center development in Texas ahead of November’s election.
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Energy
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls on ERCOT to reverse 30% pay raise for board members
Patrick has also rebuked ERCOT’s board for approving and then backtracking on a contract that would allow ERCOT’s CEO to earn $6.4 million in 2027.
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Energy
ERCOT quickly backtracks after approving contract that would let CEO earn $6.4 million in 2027
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick balked at the contract two boards approved for Pablo Vegas. The ERCOT chief said officials then decided not to execute the deal.
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Energy
After public pressure, Texas OKs more 765 lines, directing companies to work with landowners
The Public Utility Commission voted to greenlight some proposals to build first-of-their-kind transmission lines after approving two massive lines last month.
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The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
John Fetterman, Marjorie Taylor Greene to close and open TribFest
Two of American politics’ most unique and least predictable voices bookend our three days of live journalism.
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Texas affordability crisis
Texas cities say Abbott’s proposal to disband their electric companies won’t lower costs
On the campaign trail, the governor said dismantling city-owned utilities will save customers money by introducing competition.
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Texas affordability crisis
With voters squeezed by high costs, Texas candidates race to claim affordability mantle
If not carefully vetted, candidates’ proposals to lower costs could exacerbate future affordability issues, experts say.
