Texas

Offshore wind farm proposed for Gulf of Mexico near Galveston could power 2.3 million homes

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2022

Offshore wind farm proposed for Gulf of Mexico near Galveston could power 2.3 million homes

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HOUSTON — The Gulf of Mexico’s first offshore wind farms can be developed off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, the Biden administration introduced Wednesday, and collectively they’re projected to supply sufficient power to energy round 3 million properties.

The wind farms doubtless is not going to be up and operating for years, power analysts and the state’s grid operator mentioned, however the announcement from the U.S. Inside Division is step one in ramping up offshore wind power in the USA, which has lagged behind that of Europe and China. The one two working offshore wind power farms within the U.S. are off the coasts of Rhode Island and Virginia, which collectively produce 42 megawatts of electrical energy — sufficient to energy fewer than 2,500 properties.

One of many new wind tasks introduced Wednesday can be developed 24 nautical miles off the coast of Galveston, overlaying a complete of 546,645 acres — larger than town of Houston — with the potential to energy 2.3 million properties, in line with the U.S. Inside Division’s Bureau of Ocean Vitality Administration. The opposite challenge can be developed close to Port Arthur, about 56 nautical miles off the coast of Lake Charles, Louisiana, overlaying 188,023 acres with the potential to energy 799,000 properties.

“It’s thrilling to see offshore wind within the Gulf getting nearer to actuality,” mentioned Luke Metzger, govt director of Surroundings Texas, an environmental safety group. “With robust winds within the evenings after we want power essentially the most, offshore wind within the Gulf of Mexico would tremendously complement Texas’ onshore renewable power assets, assist bolster our shaky electrical grid and assist the environment.”

The wind farms will be a part of a rising variety of oil drilling rigs off the coast of Texas, together with close to Galveston, the place the oil platforms dot the horizon looking from Galveston’s seashores. The Biden administration additionally not too long ago has opened up land within the Gulf of Mexico for extra offshore oil and fuel drilling leases.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s workplace didn’t reply to a request for remark in regards to the new offshore wind power developments.

“Offshore wind has a fantastic potential in Texas,” Brad Jones, president of the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas, which manages Texas’ fundamental energy grid, instructed The Texas Tribune on Thursday. “It would take a while to develop, and that point can be based mostly on how shortly we are able to put collectively port services, the specialised ships which are obligatory and prepare our labor drive to attain such a improvement. It’s new for the U.S.”

Texas is already the nation’s largest wind energy producer and has land-based wind farms up and down the Gulf Coast, the place winds sometimes blow more durable.

Wind power’s contributions to the Texas energy grid range relying on the place, and the way arduous, the wind blows throughout the state. On Tuesday, when Texas hit a brand new file for power consumption, wind and solar energy mixed to supply 25% of the power on the grid, ERCOT mentioned. On July 11, when ERCOT requested Texans to preserve electrical energy as a result of demand threatened to exceed provide, wind technology dropped to lower than 10% of its total capability.

ERCOT forecasters mentioned they sometimes don’t count on loads of wind power throughout sizzling summer time days as a result of throughout summer time winds are usually stronger at evening.

Offshore wind supplies a lot steadier power manufacturing than wind farms on land in Texas, Jones mentioned. With the “extraordinary” development of Texas’ inhabitants and financial system, Jones mentioned “now we have to maintain tempo with that improvement.”

“So having a further useful resource that may present technology to Texans to maintain the lights on is a worth to all of us,” Jones mentioned.

Metzger and power analysts mentioned firms are thinking about growing offshore wind tasks in Texas, however it’s too early to inform how shortly they are going to be constructed and the way a lot they are going to price.

New monetary incentives from the federal or state governments might pace up completion of the tasks, the analysts mentioned, however it’s unclear whether or not that can occur.

“The business urge for food is there — it truly is in regards to the regulatory hurdles that exist,” mentioned Kenneth B. Medlock III, an power knowledgeable at Rice College. “There’s loads of curiosity, undoubtedly. Firms are actively lobbying to attempt to get these tasks completed.”

Leaders in neighboring Louisiana have been actively working to draw wind power manufacturing. Louisiana’s most up-to-date local weather plan, launched in February, set a purpose of producing 5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035, which might energy thousands and thousands of properties there. Texas doesn’t have a state local weather plan.

“Louisiana, in contrast to Texas, has been actually bullish on growing offshore wind and providing financial incentives to offshore wind,” Metzger mentioned.

Nonetheless, U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, mentioned Texas “has constantly led within the offshore power business” and is properly positioned to accommodate the brand new challenge.

“Our area has the power experience and the prevailing infrastructure to help the growth of wind alternatives whereas powering our nation,” Fletcher mentioned in a press release. “As an advocate for an all-of-the-above technique for power funding, I welcome this proposal and look ahead to partnering with the Administration to create new jobs and to make sure our area and our nation proceed to steer the transition to a lower-carbon world.”

Disclosure: Rice College has been a monetary supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partly by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no function within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full record of them right here.

While you be a part of us at The Texas Tribune Pageant Sept. 22-24 in downtown Austin, you’ll hear from changemakers who’re driving innovation, lawmakers who’re taking cost with new insurance policies, business leaders who’re pushing Texas ahead and so many others. See the rising speaker record and purchase tickets.

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Texas A&M vs. USC Prediction, Odds, Picks – December 27, 2024

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Texas A&M vs. USC Prediction, Odds, Picks – December 27, 2024

Data Skrive

The Las Vegas Bowl features a battle between the Texas A&M Aggies (who are 3.5-point favorites) and the USC Trojans on December 27, 2024 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The over/under is set at 52.

Facing the Texas Longhorns in their most recent game, the Aggies lost 17-7. Last time out, the Trojans fell to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with 49-35 being the final score.

Keep up with college football all season on FOX Sports.

Joel Klatt explains how ‘USC is spiraling and in trouble’ | The Herd

FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt joins Colin Cowherd to discuss USC losing 19 players to the transfer portal and why it is troubling.

Texas A&M vs. USC Game Information & Odds

When: Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada
TV: ESPN
Live Box Score on FOX Sports

More College Football Predictions

Texas A&M vs USC Betting Information updated as of December 25, 2024, 2:45 a.m. ET.
Favorite	Spread (Odds)	Favorite Moneyline	Underdog Moneyline	Total	Over Moneyline	Under Moneyline
Texas A&M	-3.5 (-111)	-180	+149	52	-109	-111

Texas A&M vs. USC Prediction

Pick ATS:
Texas A&M (-3.5)
Pick OU: Under (52)
Prediction: Texas A&M 28, USC 24

Predictions are made by the Data Skrive betting model.

Learn more about the Texas A&M Aggies vs. the USC Trojans game on FOX Sports!

Texas A&M vs. USC Betting Insights

Per the spread and over/under, the implied score for the tilt is Aggies 28, Trojans 24.
The Aggies have a 64.3% chance to claim victory in this meeting per the moneyline’s implied probability. The Trojans hold a 40.2% implied probability.
Texas A&M has compiled a 3-9-0 record against the spread this season.
USC has put together a 7-5-0 record against the spread this season.

Texas A&M vs. USC: 2024 Stats Comparison

	Texas A&M	USC
Off. Points per Game (Rank)	30.3 (52)	29.8 (55)
Def. Points per Game (Rank)	21.2 (23)	23.5 (47)
Turnovers Allowed (Rank)	13 (28)	18 (71)
Turnovers Forced (Rank)	17 (61)	16 (69)

Texas A&M 2024 Key Players

Name	Position	Stats
Marcel Reed	QB	1,572 YDS (61.1%) / 12 TD / 4 INT 501 RUSH YDS / 6 RUSH TD / 45.5 RUSH YPG
Le’Veon Moss	RB	769 YDS / 10 TD / 85.4 YPG / 6.4 YPC 10 REC / 141 REC YDS / 0 REC TD / 17.6 REC YPG
Amari Daniels	RB	661 YDS / 8 TD / 55.1 YPG / 4.8 YPC
Noah Thomas	WR	34 REC / 545 YDS / 6 TD / 45.4 YPG
Taurean York	LB	57 TKL / 6 TFL / 2.5 SACK / 1 INT
Nic Scourton	DL	29 TKL / 11 TFL / 4 SACK
Will Lee III	DB	37 TKL / 0 TFL / 2 INT / 2 PD
Dalton Brooks	DB	44 TKL / 5 TFL / 1 SACK

USC 2024 Key Players

Name	Position	Stats
Jo’Quavious Marks	RB	1,133 YDS / 9 TD / 94.4 YPG / 5.7 YPC 47 REC / 321 REC YDS / 0 REC TD / 29.2 REC YPG
Miller Moss	QB	2,555 YDS (64.4%) / 18 TD / 9 INT -18 RUSH YDS / 2 RUSH TD / -2 RUSH YPG
Ja’Kobi Lane	WR	36 REC / 398 YDS / 9 TD / 36.2 YPG
Jayden Maiava	QB	906 YDS (61.2%) / 7 TD / 2 INT 49 RUSH YDS / 4 RUSH TD / 5.4 RUSH YPG
Easton Mascarenas	LB	84 TKL / 4 TFL / 3 SACK / 2 INT
Kamari Ramsey	DB	44 TKL / 4 TFL / 2 SACK
Mason Cobb	LB	61 TKL / 2 TFL / 2 INT / 2 PD
Jaylin Smith	DB	49 TKL / 3 TFL / 2 INT / 2 PD

FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Texas battered by quarter-sized hail and heavy winds in Christmas Eve storm

Published

15 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Texas battered by quarter-sized hail and heavy winds in Christmas Eve storm

What’s New?

Texas is being battered by huge hailstones the size of quarters, powerful winds of up to 65mph and thunderstorms on Christmas Eve.

Why It Matters

The winter storms come as many Americans traveled home just in time for the holidays.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicted a record-breaking year for holiday travel, with more than 119 million expected to hit the roads and the skies.

Last weekend was expected to be the busiest travel period, but Texans who left their travel to Christmas Eve may have been faced with hailstorms, flooded roadways and even potential tornadoes.

The storms are predicted to continue until Christmas Day, meaning Texans are likely in for a wet, not a white Christmas, this year.

What To Know

The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed much of Texas under severe thunderstorm warnings after a winter storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the state today.

A flash flood warning was issued in the Fort Worth, Texas, area on Tuesday while a tornado warning was also issued for the southeast region of the state as forecasters warned of multiple tornadoes, winds of up to 65mph and hail of up to two inches diameter.

Many Texans have been sharing footage and images of large hailstones that landed in their backyards. So far, there have been no reports of serious damage from the hailstorm.

A ground stop was issued at Bush Intercontinental Airport on Tuesday afternoon amid the severe weather.

The NWS has also warned that the environment “will support a threat for supercells with isolated large hail. A marginal wind-damage threat may also develop along the more intense parts of the line.”

Supercells refer to rotating thunderstorms that can last for hours, travel hundreds of miles and often produce tornadoes.

What People Are Saying

National Weather Service said in a statement earlier today, “A line of strong to severe thunderstorms, capable of large hail and marginally severe gusts, is expected to develop late this afternoon into this evening across east-central Texas.”

One Cypress, Texas resident, who shared a video of huge hailstones bouncing off the ground in her backyard, wrote on X, “It is bonkers at my home right now in Cypress, TX. Suburb of Houston. Major hail and rain.”

Meredith Seaver, another Cypress, Texas, resident shared a picture of huge hailstones, and asked, “It’s a Christmas miracle?”

Forecaster Max Velocity said on X, “NASTY LINE OF STORMS will move into SE Texas tonight, including Houston! Damaging winds, hail, and a tornado will be possible. Santa will have to navigate around these storms!”

What Happens Next?

The storm’s heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue until 5 a.m. CST.

The National Weather Service has placed regions of Texas under severe thunderstorm warnings until 8 p.m. CST, with severe thunderstorm watches issued for parts of Texas until 12 a.m. CST.

Light rain is expected on Christmas Day and through Thursday while another storm system is predicted to move into the region on Friday, bringing continued rain through Saturday.

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I’ve traveled all over Texas. This small town in the Hill Country captivated me the most.

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

I’ve traveled all over Texas. This small town in the Hill Country captivated me the most.

I arrived at the San Antonio International Airport and stepped outside to meet my ride. The dry, hot air gave me an instant flashback to my days intermittently working in the West Texas oilfield. I’ve seen quite a bit of the Lone Star State and couldn’t wait to get to Fredericksburg. I’d heard so much about this cute historical German town in the Texas Hill Country.

After an hour’s drive, the shuttle driver and my host said, “We’re on Wine Road 290.” The county has over 75 wineries, vineyards, and wine-tasting rooms. I thought, “What a perfect getaway for Texans and travelers flying into the area.”

A unique stay in a whimsical hideaway

Blue Sage No. 12

I wasn’t surprised to see the rolling hills as we drove toward the property I was staying at outside town. But I was astonished at how green this part of Texas was, especially since I was visiting at the end of the summer. I learned that Fredericksburg is home to the largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms, and seeing the fields of flowers is a popular activity during the spring. People come from all over to admire the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and red poppies.

We pulled up to Blue Sage, where I was staying, and I was instantly excited to check in to my accommodations — No. 12. The dark blue treehouse-inspired cottages looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. As I toured the inside of mine, I was awed by the warm and inviting boho decor. The loft room, with a giant soak tub overlooking the woods, was grounding, and I knew I had found a comfy weekday retreat.

After resting and freshening up from the long travel day, I met with friends to enjoy cocktails at Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen in Fredericksburg’s historic district. We sipped and savored a handcrafted cocktail and a few small bites in their relaxing lounge area before heading to Hill & Vine for dinner. Known for their Southern staples, trying Texas wine and their black-eyed pea hummus was delicious.

Hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock on a blue sky day / Ashlee hiking the Summit Trail

In 2023, over 300,000 people visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s a popular place for hiking, camping, and bird-watching – many migratory birds fly through.

The iconic rock feature is one billion years old, and you can hike to the top of the pink granite dome along the Summit Trail. The climb is steep, but the views of Hill Country are worth the trek.

Planning tip: Be sure to make reservations to visit the park. October through May are the busiest times of the year to explore, and parking is limited.

After hiking, we drove back into town for lunch at Hill Country Herb Garden. Their menu is curated with wellness in mind and rotates seasonally. I had a beautiful kale and quinoa salad with steak, just what my body needed after the morning’s hike. After lunch, we toured the herb gardens, gift shop, and spa — they make custom scents. There are even 14 quaint little cottages on the property you can book for lodging.

Learn about Fredericksburg’s German heritage

Outside of the Vereins Kirche Museum / Lunch at the Hill Country Herb Garden

Germans immigrated to the area in the mid-1800s after being enticed by promises of a new life. It wasn’t just Germans; Danish and Swiss settlers also made their way to Fredericksburg. You can learn more about the town’s history at the Vereins Kirche Museum and the Pioneer Museum.

You can do a self-guided tour of a historic homestead at the Pioneer Museum and see inside the buildings, including a traditional Sunday house. A Sunday house is where families that lived out of town and worked on farms and ranches would stay on the weekends so they could attend church.

After an exciting day of hiking and tours, we ended the evening with an Italian-inspired dinner at Alla Campagna. The savory Heritage Chicken Risotto and a Texas white wine were the perfect way to end the day. I couldn’t resist topping the day off with a few bites of homemade chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio gelato.

A morning of local retail therapy

Row of cowboy boots at Allens Boots / Breakfast at the Keidel Pharmacy

The following day, we drove into town and had breakfast at Keidel Pharmacy inside the new Albert Hotel (the largest hotel on the main street, opening in January 2025). I was pleased to start the day with a piece of gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and an almond milk London Fog latte.

Afterward, I spent a few hours window shopping and checking out all the cute local stores, such as Carol Hicks Bolton, Blackchalk Home + Laundry, Allens Boots, and Flying Cow Tallow.

For lunch, we grabbed a glass of rosé and a quick salad at Standard Public House before heading to the vineyards for wine tasting.

Discover Fredericksburg’s wine scene

Wine tasting at Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards — Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards

While traveling, there is something glamorous and fun about visiting local wineries, hearing stories from the owners, and tasting wine. Our first stop was Meierstone Vineyards. Krystal Patel’s family has been making 100% Texas wine for seven generations, starting in the 1840s. I loved the white wine flight, and their 2023 Trebbiano was my favorite.

Next, we visited Airis’Ele Vineyards. Their team has over 40 years of experience in the wine business. I found their wine-tasting room welcoming, with big windows for Summer Tanager bird-watching. Their sweet Bienvenue was refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Don’t miss this family-run farmstand

Last, we headed to Das Peach Haus farmstand, which has been in business for over 50 years. The Fischer & Wieser family business sells local wines made from 100% Texas grapes, fruit jams, jellies, sauces, and other delectable artisanal goods.

Deanna Fischer, the Chief Experience Officer, shared that the company’s goal is to “Create flavorful experiences that make people happy.”

You can sample many of the farmstand’s specialty foods to select your favorites before purchasing. I appreciated that each jar provides examples of how to pair it with your next happy hour hors d’œuvre or cozy dinner at home. You can also take one of their cooking classes or have a hand-crafted cocktail at Dietz Distillery, which is next door.

It’s nice to see places like this still preserving family, food, and faith in the community.

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