What started as a novel plan to provide an unrestricted water supply to the oil and gas industry turned into a political quagmire that has consumed the city.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Texas affordability crisis
How Texas candidates plan to lower the cost of gas, groceries and housing
From groceries to childcare, Texans are spending more to live here. Here’s how much costs have risen, why it’s happening and what candidates are proposing to fix it.
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State Government
Texas agency sues to stop release of data center records that it says could aid terrorists
A lawsuit will test whether Texas officials can withhold data center location details under the state Homeland Security Act.
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Environment
Institute launches in East Texas to address the region and state’s largest water challenges
The new institute plans to help solve Texas’ looming water crisis through research, data and training future workforces.
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Environment
A 650-acre ranch on Lake Palestine will become Texas’ next state park
The ranch has been owned by an East Texas family for more than 80 years and is expected to be transferred to the state next year for development into a park.
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Data Centers in Texas
Data centers pump $340M into rural Texas projects as they try to improve their reputations
The companies have faced waves of public backlash in Texas. To battle that negative public perception, they’ve donated millions to community causes and needs.
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Hill Country floods
Camp Mystic owners propose selling the property in bankruptcy
The proposal would auction off the 749-acre property on the Guadalupe River where 27 campers and counselors died during the July 4, 2025 flood.
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The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
Corpus Christi’s water crisis serves as a warning and a roadmap for others
Experts at a Texas Tribune Festival panel discussed how close the city and region came to disaster and how the experience exposed the need for long-term planning, diversification and groundwater reform.
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Environment
Water official who pushed desalination plant for Corpus Christi region retires amid project setbacks
John Byrum’s departure comes as the Nueces River Authority board was set to discuss his employment behind closed doors.
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Hill Country floods
Texas Rangers pursuing criminal investigation of Camp Mystic, court documents show
In an affidavit, the Rangers said they believe camp leaders committed multiple crimes including manslaughter in connection with the deaths of 27 campers and counselors in the July 2025 flood.
