The exchange of 715 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge for 683 acres of private land is expected to occur Sept. 22.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Environment
Gov. Greg Abbott broadens moratorium on data center approvals to include environmental permits
The move is the latest in a series of escalating efforts by the governor to slow data center development in Texas ahead of November’s election.
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Environment
Despite state law, only eight of 160 utility companies have filed wildfire response plans
Lawmakers recently learned of the slow progress made by the companies, which have four months to come under compliance with the law prompted by the 2024 Panhandle wildfires.
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Screwworm in Texas
Where is screwworm in Texas? Track cases here.
The New World screwworm poses a multibillion-dollar threat to the state’s cattle industry. We’re keeping track of where these cases are reported.
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Environment
Fire crews fully contains North Texas wildfire, which continues to burn three weeks later
The fire has burned 90,000 acres, making it the second largest fire in the region’s history.
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Data Centers in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas water agency to penalize data centers that don’t report their water usage
Last year, less than 30% of data centers responded to a state-mandated water usage survey conducted by the Texas Water Development Board.
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Politics
Inactive oil and gas wells to go under review at hearing
Under previous law, operators could keep inactive wells up indefinitely.
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Texas Legislature 2027
Texas lawmaker vows to keep pushing for statewide emergency disaster response system
State Rep. Ken King, whose proposal to create a system failed twice, heard testimony about firefighters being forced to carry multiple radios in an emergency and how long it takes to coordinate agencies.
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Energy
After public pressure, Texas OKs more 765 lines, directing companies to work with landowners
The Public Utility Commission voted to greenlight some proposals to build first-of-their-kind transmission lines after approving two massive lines last month.
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Environment
Rain drops needed relief on North Texas wildfire that’s been burning for two weeks
Storms swept over the more than 90,400 acres still burning in Palo Pinto and Jack counties. Containment increased to 76%, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.