As reservoirs fall below 10% of capacity, council members are expected to provide an update on the city’s dwindling water supply and when customers might have to cut back on water use.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Environment
Why an East Texas rancher donated part of his water rights to the state
As Texas faces growing water challenges, the donation to the Texas Water Trust — a little-known conservation tool created nearly 30 years ago — was the first in two decades.
Posted in
Energy
A plan to get more electricity to West Texas may come undone
Oil and gas companies have said the region needs more power. Environmentalists and a conservative think tank worry the state is moving too fast — and ratepayers will see the costs in their bills.
Posted in
Economy
After a decade of missteps, Corpus Christi careens toward water catastrophe
City officials expect to reach a “water emergency” within months and run out of water next year. That would halt jet fuel deliveries to Texas airports, hike gas prices and trigger a local economic disaster without precedent, former officials say.
Posted in
Environment
After years of gains, Republicans in Congress push to roll back chemical regulations
In Texas, environmental activists and experts raise the alarm about the potential impact on public health if the Toxic Substances Control Act is weakened.
Posted in
Courts
Legal fight over SpaceX beach closures hits Texas Supreme Court
The justices are considering the constitutionality of a 2013 law in a lawsuit brought by environmentalist and indigenous groups against the General Land Office and Cameron County.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Camp Mystic can’t alter flood-damaged area while civil suit proceeds, judge rules
Cabins, grounds and other buildings hit by the July 4 flood on the Guadalupe River cannot be renovated or removed, according to the order.
Posted in
Environment
Dow asks Texas to legalize plastic pollution from its Seadrift complex
Facing multiple lawsuits, North America’s largest chemical manufacturer requests an “unprecedented” permit amendment to authorize its discharge of polyethylene pellets into coastal waters.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Dan Patrick seeks to block Camp Mystic’s summer reopening pending inquiry into July 4 flood deaths
The lieutenant governor’s request to delay renewing the camp’s license came hours after parents who lost children in the July 4 flood sued the state for its alleged failure to enforce an evacuation plan requirement.
Posted in
Environment
The border wall is closing in on Big Bend, sparking opposition by locals
Residents and elected officials are speaking out against a proposed border barrier through Texas’ biggest state park and one of the jewels of the national park system.