Hill Country News 3160
Power Grid, Data Centers Bill Awaits Testimony in Texas House Committee Hearing
It’s been a fairly quiet legislative session for the power grid — at least in comparison to the last two — but one energy-related item is drawing most of the attention: coping with the influx of data centers and other large electricity loads. The Texas House State Affairs Committee will field testimony on Senate Bill
Texas Ports, Retailers Impacted by Trump’s Global Tariffs
President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on “Liberation Day” sent shockwaves through the global economy, and now Texas is beginning to see some of the downstream effects. Trump’s trade war with countries around the world took shape in “reciprocal” tariff rates typically ranging from 10 to 50 percent, depending on the country and product.
Self-Driving Semi-Truck Company Launches Operations in Texas
Texas continues to establish its position as a leader in the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology with a self-driving semi-truck company now operating in the state, marking the next step in this burgeoning industry. Aurora Innovation has set free its “Aurora Driver” self-driving system in Texas. The AV truck company says it will
224 Medically Necessary Abortions Reported in Texas Since Dobbs, Data Scope Remains Disputed
Approximately six “Medical Necessity (Life/Health) Exception” abortions have been performed in Texas per month in the 30 months following the overturn of Roe v. Wade with no known repercussions for healthcare providers, recent state data indicates — as the Texas Legislature actively mulls over legislation clarifying exceptions to the state’s abortion laws. From August 2022
Coast Guard Contending With Oil Spill
The Unified Command, consisting of the Coast Guard and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office (LOSCO), continue to respond to mitigate public safety and environmental threats from an uncontrolled oil and natural gas discharge in coastal Louisiana. As of 11:00 a.m., the Unified Command has more than 170 responders supporting response efforts. This includes the
Changes Happening With Endangered Species
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) today announced a proposed rule to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The current definition, which includes habitat modification as a form of “take,” runs counter to the best reading of “take” under the ESA,
In-Water Boat Show Returns to Indianola Fishing Marina
From May 30 through June 1, the Indianola Fishing Marina in Port Lavaca, TX, will host the Annual In-Water Boat Show. This unique show will give anglers and boaters the chance to test bay boats directly on the water. Set along Powderhorn Bayou, Indianola Fishing Marina offers a relaxed setting ideal for this hands-on event.
Black Bear Kills Man In Florida
In a shocking and unprecedented incident, an 88-year-old man and his dog were killed in what officials believe was a black bear attack near Jerome, Florida, early Monday morning. According to ABC News, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed this as the first fatal bear attack ever recorded in the state. The
TX Teen Promotes Conservation
At 18 years old, Faith Moore of Orange, Texas, has already made a name for herself in the world of wildlife photography. Gaining a reputation as a teen for her award-winning images of mountain goats and bighorn sheep, Faith is combining her passion for nature with a deep commitment to conservation education. “I want my
Delta Applauds America the Beautiful Act
The America the Beautiful Act introduced by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine) on May 1 would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund to invest $2 billion over the next eight years in critical infrastructure for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, as well as the
Residents in Cameron County Vote to Incorporate SpaceX City of ‘Starbase, Texas’
Elon Musk’s influence in Texas has grown as Cameron County voters overwhelmingly approved the incorporation of a new town for SpaceX employees. SpaceX’s spaceport, now known as the City of Starbase, is located in the Rio Grande Valley near Boca Chica in southeastern Texas. The city has around 300 adults who reside there, in addition
Texas Lawmakers Weigh Border Security, Illegal Immigration Bills in Last Month of Session
Texas lawmakers remain active in addressing border security and illegal immigration in the 89th Legislative Session, with several pieces of legislation currently under consideration in both the state House and Senate. Illegal immigration through the U.S.-Mexico border has markedly improved since President Donald Trump entered office in January. A report from U.S. Customs and Border
