NEWS & INFORMATION
A West Texas Roadmap for Mitigating the Impacts of Energy Development
If Americans are going to make a dent in reducing carbon emissions — and polling suggests they want to — they are going to have to grapple with the tradeoffs required. An effort in West Texas offers a roadmap for helping people work through the issues.
The Future of Renewable Energy is Playing Out in West Texas
In West Texas, a team of scientists and outreach professionals brought together private landowners, elected officials, energy companies, community members and others to develop a blueprint for producing energy while preserving the conservation values important to rural communities.
Big Bend Coalition Maps Out ‘Balanced’ Plan For Energy Development In Far West Texas
A new report looks at ways that solar, wind and oil projects could move forward while protecting the region’s way of life.
Report Outlines Ways to Protect Big Bend Region from Energy Sprawl
A long-awaited report from the Respect Big Bend Coalition lays out recommendations for balancing new energy projects with land conservation in the Big Bend region.
A Texas Road Map for No-Drama, Sustainable Energy Development
In reporting on energy, I have seen factions demonize each other and resort to litigation or regulator manipulation. The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation and the Respect Big Bend Coalition, themselves an odd amalgam of energy money and environmental activism, are trying to show us a better, longer-lasting way to ensure we have the energy we need without ruining our communities.
Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler Video for Respect Big Bend
In 2020, Texan by Nature (TxN) named Respect Big Bend a TxN Conservation Wrangler. Representatives of the Respect Big Bend Coalition attended the 2021 Conservation Summit at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas on April 20, 2021 to officially receive the award. This video, prepared by TxN on behalf of RBB showcases the public engagement aspect of the Respect Big Bend effort.
Respect Big Bend Presentation at Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler Award Ceremony
Texan by Nature named The Respect Big Bend Coalition a Conservation Wrangler award winner in 2020. This video outlining the Respect Big Bend program, its goals and and outcomes was presented by Melinda Taylor at the awards ceremony at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on April 20, 2021.
Introducing Uplift Texas
Uplift Texas is a new initiative, launched in the aftermath of this spring's energy downturn, which builds on Respect Big Bend's concept of self-determination but adds an economic component to the work. Starting in West Texas, Uplift Texas will help Texans re-think what their economic future can look like, expanding beyond the boom and bust cycle to make local economies more resilient and improve Texans' quality of life.
Projected Landscape Impacts from Oil and Gas Development Scenarios in Permian Basin, USA
Projecting landscape impacts from energy development is essential to land management decisions. The authors forecast landscape alteration resulting from oil and gas well-pad construction across Permian Basin by projecting current landscape trends through 2050.
Opportunity in Adversity: A New Approach to Energy in Texas
Optimism in West Texas is in short supply these days. But a look back at our recent history of energy booms and busts reveals a lesson in finding opportunity through adversity – and a possible path forward through difficult times.