Why Denton should ban fracking
A prohibition on fracking in Denton will make the city healthier, safer and more prosperous. Next month, voters should ignore the industry's attempts at deception and exaggeration and approve the ban.
Energy
Latest Columns
Why Denton shouldn't ban fracking
A measure on the November ballot in Denton won’t just ban fracking. It’ll effectively prohibit all drilling in the city, leading to economic damage and putting property rights at risk. Denton voters should say no to the ban.
It's time for real eminent domain reform
As the former mayor of DISH, I know a thing or two about the impacts of natural gas development in Texas — especially the creeping threat of eminent domain. Texans deserve better than what the Legislature has given us.
An unlikely alliance in Houston: art and oil
Though it may make for strange bedfellows, Houston's vibrant arts scene has forged an enduring relationship with the city's oil and gas industry. And while the alliance has raised ethical questions, I, for one, am thankful for it.
Texas must set the compass for energy realism
Climate policy to eliminate fossil fuels is on a collision course with an unprecedented boom in oil and gas production. Energy is at a crossroads, and Texas has the most at stake.
How I'd fix the Railroad Commission
When it comes to the office of Texas railroad commissioner, there’s not a more important elected position in Texas — and perhaps the nation — that so few people seem to know or care about. Here's how I would increase public trust in this vital agency.
Alarmist views on climate shouldn't guide policy
The notion that Texas leaders should base their decisions on projections and not on actual observations flies in the face of rational decision-making.
Another energy revolution is stirring in Mexico
Texas and the rest of the U.S. should embrace Mexico’s sweeping new overhaul of its oil and gas industry. The future of energy independence in North America may depend on it.
Get big donors out of energy policy
Texas — a place where the energy economy isn’t under siege by ideologues and special interests — shows exactly how Americans will benefit once the nation overcomes those awful influences.
We can find a middle ground on fracking
The fight over fracking has never made much room for nuance. As oil and gas continues to boom in Texas and beyond, we need smart, constructive debate.