Building a more affordable Texas

January 10, 2016

Kathleen Hunker

This report discusses why Texas cities should reassess their current building codes to identify which restrictions are truly essential and which place idiosyncratic preferences above the public’s basic need for safe and adequate accommodations.

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The Explosion of Transmission Costs in ERCOT: Causes, Forecasts, and Policy Solutions

KEY POINTS • Transmission costs in ERCOT rose from $1.5 billion in 2010 to over $5 billion in 2024 and could increase to over $12 billion per year by 2033. • After adjusting for inflation and overall rising electricity demand, the average ratepayer in the ERCOT region paid 57% more in transmission charges in 2024...

January 8, 2026

Property Rights

Bill Analysis: SB 1333 A New Law to Better Protect Homeowners & Punish Squatters

The passage of Senate Bill 1333 (2025) addresses an important gap in Texas’ statutory framework by providing property owners with “clear legal tools to remove unauthorized occupants and [abate concerns] that squatters can cause financial harm by damaging or neglecting property” (SB 1333 Bill Analysis, 2025, p. 1).This legislation was the culmination of a long...

August 15, 2025

Economy

Cool, Clear Water: For the Future of Texas

Water is critical to ensure a prosperous future for Texas. That’s a statement that virtually no one disagrees with. Water satisfies thirsty communities, fuels industry, powers next generation technologies, sustains reliable generation of electricity, and maintains the natural beauty of the state. But Texans will soon go to the polls to vote on legislation that...

October 1, 2025

Kathleen Hunker

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The Explosion of Transmission Costs in ERCOT: Causes, Forecasts, and Policy Solutions

Bill Analysis: SB 1333 A New Law to Better Protect Homeowners & Punish Squatters

Cool, Clear Water: For the Future of Texas