On Wednesday, the Obama administration announced another major plan to combat climate change that aims to slash emissions of methane gas in the next decade by almost a half. Here’s why that’s a big deal for Texas.
Neena Satija
Neena Satija worked at the Tribune from 2013 to 2019. She was an investigative reporter and radio producer for the Tribune and Reveal, a public radio program from the Center for Investigative Reporting. Previously, she was the environment reporter at the Tribune. A native of the Washington, D.C. area, she graduated from Yale University in 2011, and then worked for the New Haven Independent, the Connecticut Mirror, and WNPR/Connecticut Public Radio. She has also been a regular contributor to National Public Radio. As an East Coast transplant she is particularly thrilled with Austin tacos and warm weather.
Posted in
State Government
Former Abbott Deputy Named Insurance Commissioner
A deputy from former Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office will be running the Texas Department of Insurance, Gov. Rick Perry’s office announced Monday. But he appears to just be a temporary replacement for outgoing Commissioner Julia Rathgeber.
Posted inState Government
Second Health Contract Questioned; Probe Requested
A state senator wants the Texas auditor to review how a private firm was selected to operate a state psychiatric hospital in Terrell.
Posted in
Energy
Controversial Marvin Nichols Reservoir Stays in State Plan
The plan to build the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has been a subject of contention between Dallas-Fort Worth officials and opponents in Northeast Texas. State officials voted Thursday to keep the lake in the state water plan, but the dispute is far from over.
Posted in
Politics
Building the Foundation of Texas Conservatism
Its brand-new headquarters is almost done, and its influence on public policy in Texas — and nationally — cannot be denied. At age 25, the Texas Public Policy Foundation is the big kid on the block among Austin think tanks.
Posted inEnergy, Environment, State Government
Texas Air is Cleaner, but Who Deserves the Credit?
According to recent data, average levels of ozone — more commonly known as smog — decreased by nearly 25 percent in Texas between 2000 and 2013. But does the credit for cleaning up Texas air belong to Gov. Rick Perry? Neena Satija writes that opinions vary.
Posted in
Politics
Perry Planning Farewell Speech to Legislators
Gov. Rick Perry has proposed addressing a joint session of the Legislature one more time before he leaves office, a spokesman for the governor’s office confirmed Sunday.
Posted in
Economy
Politics of Climate Change in Texas Have Shifted
Texas leaders weren’t always so skeptical about climate change. But the state’s rightward shift, coupled with a booming oil and gas economy, have changed the tenor of the debate. This story was produced in collaboration with The World.
Posted inState Government
Hotter, Drier Projections Threaten Texas Miracle
Climate scientists project that Texas will be hotter and drier in the coming decades, which means less rainwater will make it into lakes and reservoirs, and more will evaporate. That could spell trouble for the state’s fast-growing cities and industry.
Posted inState Government
Houston Ship Channel Shows a State Vulnerable to Climate Effects
The booming activity in the Houston Ship Channel may be the best evidence of Texas’ economic success. But it also demonstrates the state’s vulnerability to climate change. This story was produced in collaboration with The World.
