Energy

The Trump administration recently announced it would release 172 million barrels of oil from the United States' Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is located along the Gulf Coast, including two sites in Texas.

Members of the International Energy Agency have announced a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of stockpiled oil in an attempt to counter the disruption in oil trade triggered by the Iran war.

Texas' status as the nation's largest oil producer will partially insulate its residents from some gas price hikes, but it's not immune to disruptions, experts say.

Just two weeks ago, West Texas was one of many regions hit by a snowstorm and sub-zero temperatures. Now, this week, Lubbock is experiencing highs in the 70s. Our Charley Maranville has more from a local expert on how these intense fluctuations impact your ability to stay healthy. Also following last month’s winter storm, KERA’s Avery Escamilla-Wendell reports that some Texans could see much higher electricity and gas bills.

A powerful winter storm walloped a huge swath of the U.S., killing at least 25 people. Electricity is out for hundreds of thousands, and freezing rain and snow have coated streets.

Freezing rain, sleet and snow are expected to hit a large portion of Texas beginning Friday.

Subfreezing temperatures are expected by Friday as arctic air moves into Texas, with some areas possibly staying below freezing through Monday before warming into the lower 40s on Tuesday.

Salem Abraham claims Minnesota-based Xcel Energy has not lived up to its promise of protecting the region from wildfires. The company vehemently disagrees.

The reliability of the Texas energy grid could be shaken by the rapid expansion of data centers in the state. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports on a new study that shows that could be especially evident in extreme weather conditions. Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley has entered the race for Texas’ 19th Congressional District, currently held by Jodey Arrington, against whom he competed against for the 2016 Republican primary. The filing deadline for candidates is Monday, Dec. 8.

Dr. Malcolm Tanner may have been drawn to Loving County by big oil revenue and small voter rolls.