Extreme precipitation in California this winter has begun to ease the long-term drought they have been experiencing for about three years. Cycles of deluge and drought are common in California, which is why they have built up their water infrastructure to account for the imbalanced timing in precipitation. But with worsening weather extremes, capturing and reserving water for dry periods is becoming more difficult.
The Third District Court of Appeals in Austin ruled that price increases of electricity by the Texas Public Utility Commission during Winter Storm Uri were unlawful and must be reexamined. The decision by PUC board members allowed ERCOT to increase the emergency price of electricity 650% for five days.
Texas senators introduced nine bills to fix the power grid, which include infrastructure protection against physical and cyber attacks, mitigation planning, renewable energy, and more.
This week's TWDB drought report shows the fourth consecutive week of drought expansion, especially in the Panhandle and southern, coastal, and west Texas.