The latest environment news from The Texas Tribune.
The struggle to secure funding and land for state parks in Texas dates back to the early 1900s. Today, as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department marks the end of its 50th year in operation, the struggle continues. Full Story
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At a contentious hearing on Monday, lawmakers expressed skepticism about transforming Texas' wholesale energy market in an attempt to ensure the long-term reliability of the state's electric grid. Full Story
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Becky Berger, a candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, this week criticized an environmental science textbook that is under review by the Texas Board of Education, muddling the book's path to final approval. Full Story
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As the drought continues across Texas, more oil and gas companies are considering the long-term benefits of water recycling, and state officials are trying to make the transition easier. Full Story
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As drought-ridden communities near the Red River spend millions on major water projects, water managers say a decades-old federal project to clean up salt in the river water could also ease the strain. Full Story
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The Lower Colorado River Authority named Ross Phillips its interim general manager on Wednesday. Phillips will replace Becky Motal, who is retiring at the end of this year. Full Story
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Flooding in Central Texas last month highlighted the possibility that more Texans will be unable to pay for flood insurance if changes to the National Flood Insurance Program move forward. Full Story
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Over the past three decades, Texans have contributed $678 million to fund a nuclear waste project that does not exist. A federal appeals court has ordered the federal government to stop collecting such fees. Full Story
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East Texas businessman David Watts has filed paperwork to run as a Republican for Texas land commissioner, setting up a GOP primary match with George P. Bush. Full Story
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After a contentious meeting on Tuesday, the Lower Colorado River Authority approved a drought management plan that will almost surely cut off irrigation water for coastal rice farmers for the third year in a row. Full Story
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As the drought continues and farmers struggle to keep their crops irrigated, many are probing beneath their land for water. But when water is such a precious commodity, procuring it is not ever simple. Full Story
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The theory that being elected Texas land commissioner can serve as a launching pad for higher office has gained traction since George P. Bush decided earlier this year to run for the position. Full Story
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The oil and gas boom in Texas has given rise to a growing number of fraud cases in which investors — often blue-collar retirees — have been lured by the promise of high returns on supposedly low-risk investments. Full Story
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Environmental advocates and fishermen along the Gulf Coast met this week to discuss the uncertain future of Matagorda Bay's ecology. Their conclusion: Saving it could require legal action. Full Story
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Microsoft's director of energy strategy on the company's big investment in Texas wind, the expiring federal renewable energy tax credit and the debate over whether Texas should transform its energy market. Full Story
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As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a Texas-backed challenge to new greenhouse gas limits for big polluters like petrochemical plants, the industry is warning of dire consequences should the rules take effect. Full Story
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Former state Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, a candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, introduces himself in a new ad. Full Story
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Mexico's secretary of the economy on tax reforms in his country, changes that would allow private investment in Mexico's state-owned oil monopoly and his government's thoughts on immigration reform in the United States. Full Story
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Now that Texas voters have agreed to spend $2 billion to finance water supply projects, legislators say the state finally has some money to execute its water plan. But it's a plan full of contradictions and uncertainty. Full Story
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The Texas Railroad Commission has nothing to do with abortion. But that hasn’t stopped some Republicans vying for an open seat on the three-member commission from touting their anti-abortion stances. Full Story
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