But there are few pieces of pristine land left like Daphne Prairie, untouched by plow or urban sprawl.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Environment
At least 187 Texans received mystery seeds mailed from China. State officials warn they shouldn’t be planted.
Officials are unsure of the motive behind the unsolicited packets but suspect that they are part of an online scam.
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The Texas Tribune-ProPublica Investigative Unit
This private border wall was already at risk of falling down if not fixed. A hurricane made things worse.
Engineering experts said photos of damage from last weekend’s storms reinforce the idea that building and maintaining a border fence so close to the river poses serious challenges.
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Coronavirus in Texas
What happens when a hurricane hits a coronavirus hot spot? South Texas cities found out the hard way.
Texas’ emergency response teams have worn personal protective equipment and distributed it to residents across South Texas in responding to Hurricane Hanna, another challenge for the state as it prepares for hurricane season during the pandemic.
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Texas Hurricane Season 2020
Thousands of Texans remain without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna
Gov. Greg Abbott cautioned that there will be continued threats of flash flooding even as rainfall slows.
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Environment
Texas ranchers, activists and local officials are bracing for megadroughts brought by climate change
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University warns that droughts in the latter part of this century could be the worst on record.
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Environment
Trump administration waives federal regulations to expedite border construction in Rio Grande Valley
A group of advocacy organizations said the announcement is the latest in a series of ill-advised plans that will destroy environmentally sensitive areas, endangered species and historical burial sites.
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Economy
Trump scales back landmark environmental law, saying it will help restart the economy
Activists warn that the changes will sideline communities of color and are concerned about projects’ climate impacts.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As Texas grapples with a pandemic, officials must also prepare for what could be an unusually active hurricane season
State and local officials are adjusting their plans during the coronavirus outbreak to inform residents in the Houston area and along the Gulf Coast of safe steps they could take in advance of the year’s first storm.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As coronavirus hits Texas, the state’s top health official is spending 30 hours a week on a second job — that pays $600,000
Acting Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson chose not to accept salary and benefits for a temporary position leading one of Texas’ largest and most high-profile agencies. Instead, he continues to earn $636,694 from the Lower Colorado River Authority, more than double what the previous health commissioner made.
