As the floodwaters rose around the plant last year, chemicals began to overheat and then degrade, leading to a series of burns and huge plumes of black smoke.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Environment
In Wimberley, a fight bubbles up over sewage and a beloved swimming hole
As the city in Hays County decides how to move forward with a wastewater treatment plant, residents worry that outsourcing services to a corporation could put the Blue Hole swimming area at risk.
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Energy
Environmental groups announce multi-million dollar settlement with Houston-area refinery
The settlement will end a “citizen suit” against Pasadena Refining System that alleges years of air pollution violations. Under the Clean Air Act, citizens may sue companies if government regulators fail to act.
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Environment
Dozens of groups ask Trump administration for more time to comment on border wall
The allegations come as the Trump administration is moving ahead with plans to build at least 33 miles of wall or other barriers in the Rio Grande Valley.
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Environment
State lawmaker to Trump: Don’t overlook Mexican water treaty
Allowing Mexico to fall short on its water deliveries is “rewarding bad behavior,” state Rep. Lyle Larson said. But the commission that monitors the treaty says Mexico is currently ahead with its water obligations.
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Environment
EPA: San Antonio ozone levels too high under new standard
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday officially deemed Bexar County noncompliant with new, stricter ozone standards enacted under the Obama administration. The so-called “nonattainment designation” will come with stricter federal scrutiny that state and local officials say will adversely impact the local economy.
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Environment
Lesser prairie-chicken population on the rise, but advocates say it’s not enough
The latest aerial survey shows there are thousands more of the grouse in the Texas Panhandle and four surrounding states. Still, the total is tens of thousands short of what endangered species experts say is needed to achieve true conservation.
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Energy
As Trump backlash continues, STEM professionals in Texas run for office
Across the country, hundreds of candidates with academic or professional experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have left their businesses and laboratories to compete in state legislative contests, congressional elections and even governor’s races.
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Environment
Corpus Christi water tests clean after years of problems
City officials credit the improvement to a change in how water is treated.
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Environment
Is a massive tunnel system the answer to Houston’s flood woes?
Other Texas cities have built underground channels to divert stormwater. Experts say it might not be the right way to go for Houston, but that it’s still worth exploring.
