Tech industry writer, editor & sustainability lead; former @dallasnews energy & environment writer, dad of twins. #baseball, #coffee, #craftbeer
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Articles by Jeff Mosier
Texas sets another electricity-usage record for July, sixth this week
Editor's note: Updated at 5:37 pm on July 19, 2018 to reflect a new usage record. Texas' electric grid operator planned for a challenging summer. Now, it's here with electricity-usage records falling daily since Monday. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas set a sixth electricity-usage record in the last four days. Between 4 and 5 p.m. Thursday, Texas averaged 73,259 megawatts. That topped the amount of electricity used an hour earlier and also in consecutive hours Wednesday afternoon.
With special gear and righteous anger, activists document emissions in the Permian oil fields
MIDLAND — Environmental activist Sharon Wilson knows what she’s likely to get from her regular trips to the Permian Basin: a headache and sore throat from the fumes and a dark mood from the bleak industrial landscape. Still, she returns, armed with more than $100,000 worth of camera equipment and righteous anger over what few people see in the heart of the U.S. oil industry.
Days before release, jury orders former Arlington preacher convicted of rapes to undergo psychiatric treatment
By Marc Ramirez 10:01 PM on Aug 20, 2020 CDT A jury decided Thursday that Terry Hornbuckle should undergo state-approved psychiatric treatment for an unspecified length of time, just days before the disgraced Arlington preacher was set to be released. The civil commitment trial verdict was delivered Thursday afternoon, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. Jurors concluded that Hornbuckle, 58, convicted of sexually assaulting three women, was likely to attack others if released.
For $250 million, aluminum maker Alcoa will sell you its sprawling ranch between Round Rock and College Station
Alcoa Corp. has a ranch to sell you. The metals giant is looking to jettison as much as $1 billion in assets, including the roughly 32,000-acre property in Rockdale, Texas, in a push to trim costs. Alcoa is asking $250 million for Sandow Lakes Ranch, which comes with wildlife, mineral rights, 14 lakes and a smelter that once produced aluminum. The property is 31 miles long and more than twice the size of Manhattan.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory - home of North America's largest telescope - appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory – home of North America's largest telescope – appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Oil vs. astronomy: The race to protect the night sky in West Texas
West Texas is famed worldwide for its vast crude oil reserves. But for over 75 years, a small patch of the Permian Basin has also been valued for its pitch-black night sky. Those two prized natural resources have clashed in recent years as oil drilling has brightened the sky near McDonald Observatory. A collaboration between the petroleum industry and the observatory — home of North America's largest telescope — appears to have made progress in slowing the creeping light pollution.
Energy industry growth in Permian Basin, elsewhere in region slowing to a crawl, Dallas Fed index shows
Energy industry growth in Texas and parts of New Mexico and Louisiana ground to a halt at the end of 2017 after 10 straight positive quarters, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' energy business activity index. The Fed index showed the industry at 2.3 points or essentially neutral for the fourth quarter. In the third quarter, the industry score was a strong 43.3; a negative number suggests contraction.
Mining company swaps uranium for marijuana, moves to Addison
Even without legal marijuana, Texas continues to attract cannabis-related businesses. But the latest addition, NX Uranium Inc., has an odd twist. The Baton Rouge, La.-based uranium mining company replaced its executives and is moving to Addison to operate a marijuana dispensary business in southern Oregon. The announcement, which was made last week, provided few details about the company's transformation and relocation. All of the company's new leadership is from the Dallas area.
Permian Basin expects a boost from pipelines opening in 2019
The only thing certain about the oil industry in 2018 was the increasing dominance of the Permian Basin. Crude oil prices hit three-year highs in the spring and dropped to a 14-month low in December. Permian Basin drillers were hobbled all year by oil and natural gas pipelines that were straining capacity. And still, oil production increased by nearly 900,000 barrels per day in 2018.
Texas unemployment is steady and record-setting
This story will be updated throughout the day. Texas' record unemployment rate didn't budge in November after reaching new lows in back-to-back months, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The 3.7 percent jobless rate remains the lowest since 1976 when officials started collecting statewide unemployment data. Texas was one of 42 states -- plus the District of Columbia -- where the jobless rate held steady in November. Ruth R.
Christmas just got cheaper for Texas travelers
Gathering the family together for the holidays this year could be cheaper than expected. Gasoline prices have reached a 2018 low, just as Texans are filling their tanks for Christmas travel. Prices statewide were $2.02 per gallon for regular unleaded, according to AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That's five cents cheaper than a week ago and 15 cents less than a year ago. Prices are slightly less, $1.96 to $1.97, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
With special gear and righteous anger, activists document emissions in the Permian oil fields
MIDLAND — Environmental activist Sharon Wilson knows what she’s likely to get from her regular trips to the Permian Basin: a headache and sore throat from the fumes and a dark mood from the bleak industrial landscape. Still, she returns, armed with more than $100,000 worth of camera equipment and righteous anger over what few people see in the heart of the U.S. oil industry.
Cutting horse Hall of Famer and superyacht aficionado sells her Dallas insurance company for $405 million
When the spotlight shines on Dallas businesswoman Jo Ellard, the focus is usually on her Hall of Fame cutting horse career or new superyacht. But this week, she made news with the nine-figure sale of her family-owned insurance company. Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced Monday that it was buying the privately held National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Co. for $405 million.
Texas power costs: What’s the cheapest wayto generate electricity?
"There's no consensus on whether you should call something like that [extending transmission lines to West Texas] a subsidy or state financial support. Texas seems more agnostic in terms of the energy type, whether it's renewables or hydrocarbons. Is this a thing that you are going to build and create jobs and help the economy? Well, then, good."
Texas power costs: What’s the cheapest way to generate electricity?
Wind is king in much of Texas This map shows the least expensive way to generate electricity in each U.S. county. Natural gas and renewables are fighting for the title of cheapest in most of the country. Natural gas still powering Texas Despite its slump, coal still generates nearly one-quarter of Texas' electricity "Wind and solar capital costs, in two years since we released the study, have fallen the most. They've taken over more of the map.
Dallas and Houston are tied near the top of nation's costliest commutes list
In some places, such as New Orleans or Odgen, Utah, the lifetime cost was about half that of Atlanta. Six of the seven most expensive cities on the map were in southern half of the U.S. stretching from Phoenix to Atlanta. Detroit was the only city in that expensive tier that's in the northern part of the U.S. The numbers, however, are just a starting point. The costs would vary greatly depending on someone's commute. In Dallas and Houston, the average round-trip commute was 24 miles.
The owner of two Texas coal-fired power plants says its going carbon-free by 2040
Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy announced Tuesday that it wants to get out of the fossil fuel business by 2040. That goal would require the company to shut down or sell all five of its Texas power plants. The company owns two coal plants, two natural gas plants and one combination natural gas and fuel oil plant in West Texas and the Panhandle. Xcel has nearly 262,000 electricity customers in Texas.
Grand Prairie ADHD drug-maker cutting jobs
"During our last two quarterly earnings calls, we discussed that we would undergo an assessment of our commercial strategy to drive the growth of our ADHD business," McLaughlin said in a statement. This is the second shakeup at the company since since the summer. In June, Vipin Garg, the CEO who took Neos public in 2015, resigned without explanation.
Dallas' faith-based oil company hit a dry hole in Israel and is running out of money
After news broke last week of Zion's latest miss, the stock price plunged. But supporters — often buoyed by Christian faith — rallied on the company's Facebook page. "We will stand with Zion Oil because standing with them is an act of faith for us," one supporter wrote. Another said: "My purchase of stock in ZN is based on faith in the Word of God, and not 'sight.' " While most commenters were positive, company critics — some of them short sellers — gloated.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: ‘If we do something wrong, it’s clearly my fault’
The Federal Reserve Bank is often under a microscope from its fans and detractors. But for most of the population, it's a mysterious black box. As part of an ongoing lecture series, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell came to Dallas last week to try to demystify the Fed. Dallas Fed Chairman Robert Kaplan hosted the public event attended by about 500 people, many of whom said they work in finance. "Central banking can be pretty far from people's daily lives," Powell said. " ...
Fed Chair Jerome Powell jokes in Dallas, sort of: 'If we do something wrong, it's clearly my fault'
Powell said he's aware that builders are pointing to Fed rate increases as a reason for a real estate market slowdown. But he said that's just one element. "There's a lot of factors weighing on home building," Powell said. "It's material costs. It's labor scarcity. It's difficulty in finding lots. It is rates as well." Mortgage rates, although rising, are still at historically low levels.
Dallas-Fort Worth getting millions more than expected in giant VW cheating scandal settlement
In Friday's announcement, TCEQ officials said they would also allocate $16.3 million to the Austin area and $2 million to Bell County, both of which had been left off the previous list. TCEQ officials previously said they were sending money to areas with the worst air quality, but there was a backlash, particularly in Austin. "Gov.
The Texas economy hit a second consecutive monthly record in October
The Texas unemployment rate hit a record low for the second consecutive month. The seasonally adjusted rate for October dropped to 3.7 percent, down .1 percentage point from a month early. That September rate was also the lowest level since the state started collecting this unemployment data in 1976. Texas added 32,300 jobs in October, more than double September's increase. Trade, transportation and utilities, which includes retail, was the month's biggest gainer with 8,900 new jobs.
500 tech jobs coming to Richardson's Telecom Corridor, and no, it has nothing to do with Amazon
Infosys already opened similar hubs in Indianapolis and Raleigh, N.C., and others are planned for Phoenix and Hartford, Conn. The company, which employees 200,000 people in 45 countries, previously announced plans for a design hub in Providence, R.I. New jobs in Richardson, focused on telecommunications, retail and banking, are expected to be in place by 2020. Infosys also considers the hubs and other operations a chance for training and "upskilling" workers.
Business | Amazon | Dallas News
Dallas impressed Amazon officials enough to be one of a handful of cities to receive a second visit in August.
Texas oil industry stands to save millions as EPA eases restrictions on refiners
He said these actions reflect President Donald Trump's request that he improve air and water quality while continuing to "deregulate in order to create more jobs." Since taking office in 2017, Trump and his appointees have targeted Obama-era environmental regulations, which they describe as burdensome, for elimination. Thursday's visit to the EPA's Region 6 office in downtown Dallas concluded the final leg of Wheeler's tour of his agency's 10 regional offices.
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