SUMMARY: Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have highlighted urgent needs facing the Texas Energy Fund. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas testified that Texas might need 150,000 megawatts of power by 2030, whereas the current capacity stands at approximately 85,000 megawatts from wind, solar, coal, nuclear, and natural gas sources. Given these new projections, policies concerning the grid require immediate review. Texans approved a $5 billion program last November to incentivize new natural gas plants, but demand has driven the need to expand the fund to $10 billion. Texas aims to quickly approve and build new plants and transmission lines within three to six years.

Read the full article

The post Abbott, Patrick release statement regarding Texas Energy Fund concerns appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: The Biden administration proposed a new rule to address excessive workplace heat, aiming to protect around 36 million U.S. workers from heat-related injuries. Affected workers include those in agriculture, construction, delivery, landscaping, and indoor settings like warehouses and kitchens. The rule mandates employers to identify heat hazards, develop emergency plans, provide training, offer rest breaks, shade, water, and acclimatization for new workers. Penalties for violations will increase significantly. The rule is part of ongoing efforts by the Labor Department since 2021. Currently, only five states have heat exposure standards, and industry opposition remains strong. If finalized, this rule would override state measures.

Read the full article

The post Biden administration proposes rule to address excessive heat in workplace – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth appeared first on www.nbcdfw.com

SUMMARY: Cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial infection with cold-like symptoms, have increased by about 20% compared to last summer. Mycoplasma pneumonia primarily affects children over five but is now seen across all age groups. Health officials attribute the rise in cases to children spreading the infection through close contact at summer camps or swimming pools. The photo courtesy of WFAA, showcases a children's hospital. The content is copyright 2024 WBAP/KLIF.

Read the full article

The post North Texas Hospitals Are Seeing a Spike in Pediatric Pneumonia Cases appeared first on www.wbap.com