54,000-acre Hill Country ranch could be key acquisition in $1 billion Parks & Wildlife system expansion
Read full article: 54,000-acre Hill Country ranch could be key acquisition in $1 billion Parks & Wildlife system expansionThe expansion is made possible by the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, established by legislators and voters in 2023.
Texas Legislature issues: Investing in clean energy, combating plastic pollution
Read full article: Texas Legislature issues: Investing in clean energy, combating plastic pollutionThe 89th Texas legislative session kicks off next Tuesday. Thousands of bills will be filed, including some centered-on state environmental concerns.
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
Read full article: Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in TexasA federal appeals court has affirmed a judge’s 2021 ruling imposing a $14.25 million penalty on Exxon Mobil for thousands of violations of the federal Clean Air Act at the company’s refinery in Baytown, Texas.
San Antonio-area coal plant named one of top 50 worst polluters in US, study shows
Read full article: San Antonio-area coal plant named one of top 50 worst polluters in US, study showsCPS Energy’s J.K. Spruce coal power plant released "seven million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, making it the 42nd-worst climate polluter in the country," according to a study published by the Frontier Group.
Gulf Coast petrochemical growth draws billions in tax breaks despite pollution violations
Read full article: Gulf Coast petrochemical growth draws billions in tax breaks despite pollution violationsA new report by the Environmental Integrity Project compiled data on every U.S. plastics plant built, expanded or proposed since 2012, revealing massive growth in Texas.
Texas companies reported releasing 1 million pounds of excess pollution during recent cold snap
Read full article: Texas companies reported releasing 1 million pounds of excess pollution during recent cold snapCalled “upset” events, companies are required to tell the state when they emit pollution above what their permits allow.
Months after lead issue uncovered with SAISD, an environmental action group says problem is much worse
Read full article: Months after lead issue uncovered with SAISD, an environmental action group says problem is much worseMonths after a lead issue was uncovered with SAISD, an environmental action group says the problem is much worse.
Black and Hispanic Lubbock residents want federal intervention in zoning, environmental policies
Read full article: Black and Hispanic Lubbock residents want federal intervention in zoning, environmental policiesA new federal complaint comes as the city updates its zoning laws for the first time since the 1970s.
A Texas energy company will pay $1.3 million over pollution in the Permian Basin, EPA says
Read full article: A Texas energy company will pay $1.3 million over pollution in the Permian Basin, EPA saysThe EPA last year announced aerial surveillance of “super-emitters.” At least one other company in New Mexico faced a similar fine.
After cancer-causing chemicals were found in Fifth Ward soil, Houston mayor says cleanup plans are inadequate
Read full article: After cancer-causing chemicals were found in Fifth Ward soil, Houston mayor says cleanup plans are inadequateThe city’s health department found dioxins in soil samples along the fence line of a Union Pacific rail yard. Mayor Sylvester Turner said during the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival that plans to clean up the contamination should now include relocating residents.
The EPA has identified 23 U.S. facilities that are emitting toxic air pollution that puts people at risk
Read full article: The EPA has identified 23 U.S. facilities that are emitting toxic air pollution that puts people at riskOne of them is in Laredo, which has elevated rates of cancer, according to a recent state analysis. The findings come after reporting by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune.
U.S. Supreme Court ruling limits EPA’s authority in regulating greenhouse gases
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court ruling limits EPA’s authority in regulating greenhouse gasesThe high court said a cap on power plants’ carbon dioxide emissions that forces a transition to other fuels may be a “sensible” solution to the climate crisis, but that Congress did not give the Environmental Protection Agency the broad authority to make such requirements. Texas was one of 17 states that joined in the suit.