About this Author

Chris Tomlinson writes a twice-weekly column on business, energy and economics for the Houston Chronicle, drawing on 20 years of reporting experience in Texas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Previously a correspondent for The Associated Press, Tomlinson reported on politics., conflicts and development from Baghdad to Austin and 30 countries in between. He’s also the author of Tomlinson Hill and the producer of a documentary film by the same name that examines the history and consequences of race in Texas.