Ron Curry, a former New Mexico environmental regulator, will become the new Dallas-based regional head of the Environmental Protection Agency. He replaces Al Armendariz, who resigned after a firestorm this spring.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
City of Dallas Shoots for Zero Waste by 2040
The Big D has a big plan to go green. Dallas environmental advocates are confident the city can accomplish its ambitious plan to have the city recycling nearly all of its garbage by 2040.
Report Casts Doubt on Fracking’s Economic Benefits
Environmental groups have long raised concerns about the health dangers of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. But a new report questions one aspect of fracking that rarely comes under scrutiny: its supposed economic benefit.
Dried Up: Public Water System Shortages
The drought that began in October 2010 has continued into 2012, and it has taken a toll on Texas’ water supplies. As the summer of 2012 draws to a close, these communities are at risk of running out of water within 180 days.
Group Pushing to Boost State’s Role in Space Exploration
A commercial space race has begun, and this week the Texas Space Alliance, an aerospace development lobby group, reached out to the Legislature in hopes of making the state part of the enterprise.
When Power Fails, the Grid is Rarely to Blame
Texans are already used to the lights going out because of everyday issues like storms, equipment problems or people driving into utility poles. So why is there so much fuss about preventing the occasional grid-wide power outage?
Quail Making Rebound, but Hunters May Not Return
After populations in Texas plummeted last year due to disease and drought, quail counts are on the rise this season. But that small increase might not be enough to bring hunters out in full force.
Wildfire Season Intensifying, Report Says
Wildfire season across the American West and Texas is getting longer and more destructive every year, according to a new report from the research organization Climate Central.
A Year After Wildfires, Calls for More Prescribed Burns
More landowners and public safety officials have begun calling on the state to respond to last year’s devastating wildfires by lighting more fires — so-called prescribed burns that help remove the dry grass and brush that fuel the blazes.
Expiring Tax Credit Threatens Wind Boom
Texas is the top wind power state, but the expiration of a key tax credit at the end of this year could significantly impact the state, which contains about a fifth of the nation’s turbines.



