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The latest environment news from The Texas Tribune.

  • Abbott Opinion Murky on Plastic Bag Bans

    By Neena Satija, The Texas Tribune and Reveal

    Plastic bag bans in Texas cities such as Austin and Laredo may be legally sound, according to an opinion issued by Attorney General Greg Abbott's office handed down on Friday afternoon — that is, as long as they didn't ban bags for the purposes of "solid waste management." Full Story 

    An environmentalist dressed as a "bag monster" protests HB 2416 on March 20, 2013 by State Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, banning local bag ordinances.
    Credit: Bob Daemmrich

  • The Brief: Aug. 27, 2014

    By John Reynolds

    Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis released her full 2013 tax return on Tuesday, changing course after previously not allowing the document to be shared or published in full. Full Story 

    Gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis addresses supporters before they canvass for her in East Austin.
    Credit: Callie Richmond

  • The Brief: Aug. 25, 2014

    By John Reynolds

    Mindy Montford, a former candidate for Travis County DA and daughter of former state Sen. John Montford, confirmed on Sunday that Gov. Rick Perry called to see if she was interested in replacing District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg, the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV reported. Full Story 

    Travis County Courthouse in Austin, Texas.

  • Who’s Getting the Best Deals on Electricity in Texas?

    By Dave Fehling, Houston Public Media

    Texas' top energy officials say the state has a competitive edge because of its low electricity prices. But lower prices don't always mean lower bills for customers, and what Texans pay for electricity largely depends on where they live. Full Story 

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  • Texas Buys Conservation Land With Oil Spill Money

    By Neena Satija, The Texas Tribune and Reveal

    Amid frustration that Texas has lagged behind in taking advantage of money that became available in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010, state officials announced the largest conservation land purchase in Texas history. Full Story 

    An aerial view of fringe marshes around Powderhorn Lake.
    Credit: Earl Nottingham / Texas Parks and Wildlife

  • The Brief: Aug. 20, 2014

    By John Reynolds

    Call it the frozen custard heard round the world. Gov. Rick Perry and his booking on two felony counts late Tuesday afternoon captured national attention — on social media, most of all. Full Story 

    Mugshot of Governor Rick Perry, booked on two felony counts at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, August 19, 2014.
    Credit: Austin Police Department

  • The Brief: Aug. 18, 2014

    By John Reynolds

    One consequence of announcing the felony indictments against Rick Perry late Friday was to give the governor the following day to begin his full-throated counterattack. That meant the front pages of the state's Sunday papers were dominated by pictures of a defiant Perry. Full Story 

    Gov. Rick Perry speaks to press a day after a grand jury indicted Gov. Rick Perry on Friday on charges of abuse of power August 16th, 2014
    Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

  • Christi Craddick: The TT Interview

    By Jim Malewitz

    The Railroad Commission's new chairman on the agency's dual role as an industry watchdog and champion, the push to ban fracking in Denton and the commission’s efforts on earthquakes and disposal wells. Full Story 

    Railroad Commissioners Barry Smitherman (center), David Porter (left) and Christi Craddick (right) are shown at a Jan. 15, 2013, meeting in Austin.
    Credit: Tamir Kalifa

  • The Brief: Aug. 15, 2014

    By John Reynolds

    One of the most intractable questions in Texas politics in recent years is why the state hasn't moved blue despite drastic demographic changes. A new analysis from The New York Times sheds new light on why this is so. Full Story 

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    Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Marjorie Kamys Cotera

  • The Disappearing Rio Grande Expedition is Underway Once Again

    By Colin McDonald, Erich Schlegel and Jessi Loerch

    Reporter Colin McDonald and photographer Erich Schlegel have resumed their journey to tell the story of the vanishing Rio Grande. To mark the renewal of their trip, we've added a new feature to our archive page – a map that tracks every check-in and post made during their trip. Full Story 

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    Credit: Erich Schlegel