The Midland school district rebranded Robert E. Lee High as Legacy High in 2020, part of a nationwide trend to distance public places from the Confederacy.
West Texas
West Texas is home to the nation’s largest oil field, the Permian Basin. The region is defined by its energy production and wide-open spaces. It also includes Big Bend country and cities such as El Paso, Midland and Odessa.
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Economy
Struggling Texas cotton industry emphasizing the hazards of fast fashion
A group representing High Plains region farmers has launched a campaign to make buyers aware of synthetic fibers’ impact on the environment and health.
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Energy
Oil companies want to sell their wastewater. The Texas Supreme Court decided who gets the profits.
The ruling comes as more companies are seeking to turn a profit on what has long been considered a vexing waste stream.
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Energy
Supreme Court clears the way for temporary nuclear waste storage in Texas and New Mexico
The court’s decision is not a final ruling in favor of the licenses, but it removes a major roadblock.
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Environment
Texas legalizes shooting invasive sheep from a helicopter
Aoudad sheep are joining the short list of animals Texas lawmakers allow to be shot from a helicopter, along with coyotes and feral hogs.
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Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking water
At least four companies say they are prepared to treat the water well enough to be released into rivers in West Texas. Environmental groups say the state is moving too fast.
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Economy
West Texas, oil companies brace for downturn following Trump’s tariffs
Supply chain disruptions and policy decisions can significantly change these costs for oil companies — and consumers.
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Energy
Texas energy company wins first-of-its-kind permit to suck carbon out of air, store underground
Environmental groups worry direct carbon capture is not the silver bullet to curb climate change many energy companies purport it to be.
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Texas measles outbreak
A second Texas child has died from measles; RFK Jr. visits
About 500 Texans, mostly young unvaccinated children, have contracted the disease. The U.S. health secretary was in West Texas to visit the family.
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Texas Legislature 2025
A Republican effort to set deadlines to plug orphan wells in Texas hits resistance
The bill would have set deadlines for the oil and gas industry to plug inactive wells, which can pose a danger to the environment.
