A strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to develop and intensify during the 2026 hurricane season, which could suppress the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
In the Permian Basin, AI takes on big oil’s dirty water problem
Facing limited options, oil industry turns to AI to handle wastewater from oil production. Producers discovered other uses to streamline the process.
Posted in
Environment
Rain gives Corpus Christi a small break, delaying projected water crisis by 3 months
Without additional rain, the coastal city expects to impose mandatory water restrictions around December, new data shows.
Posted in
Environment
Corpus Christi moves toward mandatory 25% cut in water use if emergency is declared
Final approval of the curtailment plan is expected at a future City Council meeting. Experts predict that, without significant rainfall, a water emergency could arrive by September.
Posted in
Environment
Big Bend border wall plans canceled for national park after backlash, Border Patrol commissioner says
Texans across the political spectrum opposed wall construction in the national park. Now the agency’s plans include roadways and digital surveillance to monitor the rugged region.
Posted in
Environment
In parched Texas, a state fund to boost water projects falls almost $3 billion short of demand
Ten water projects received initial approval to split $1.28 billion in state money this year, but 13 others didn’t make the cut — including one that may supply drought-stricken Corpus Christi.
Posted in
State Government
Texas lifts safety rule enacted after deadly flood, clearing the way for some summer camps to reopen
Nineteen camps had sued over a regulation that required fiber optic connectivity. An agreement with the state allows sites to operate with other broadband internet service.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Gas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texas’ grid connection queue
Data centers are largely driving the sudden rise in natural gas power projects on the waiting list to connect to Texas’ grid.
Posted in
Investigations
Texas lawmakers repeatedly failed to pass flood protections. Some could have saved lives.
Dozens of bills were rejected over nearly 60 years, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found. Some measures would have prohibited youth camps and new construction in high-risk flood areas.
Posted in
Environment
Corpus Christi to begin talks on privately built desalinization plant
A new Houston company hopes to build a $1.3 billion facility in the area and wants the city, which is on the brink of a water crisis, to commit to 30 years of purchases.