The Texas Senate on Thursday gave its blessing to a bill that would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection requirement for most vehicles. It would still apply for commercial vehicles.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Amid Texas nuclear waste site’s financial woes, judge blocks merger
A federal judge has blocked the purchase of the company that runs Texas’ only nuclear waste dump — a setback in its proposal to accept spent nuclear fuel from across the country.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Zebra mussels found in Canyon Lake
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Zebra mussels are found in Canyon Lake, a debate on the benefits of off-channel reservoirs and an interview with Marcus Gary of the Edwards Aquifer Authority.
Posted in
Energy
Will Texas lawmakers ax tree ordinances in more than 50 cities?
Dozens of cities and towns in Texas have ordinances aimed at protecting trees. During the special legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott wants to change that.
Posted in
Energy
San Antonio pushes to lower emissions despite delayed regulations
After the EPA announced that the implementation of new, stricter standards for ozone levels in the air will be delayed a year, the city of San Antonio is forging ahead with plans to reduce emissions.
Posted in
Environment
Abbott grappled with local tree regulations targeted in special session
Before he became governor, Greg Abbott was asked to replant trees on his Austin property — a regulation he has set out to axe during the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature.
Posted in
Energy
After 18 months, hurricane vulnerability documents arrive — but they’re thin
Eighteen months ago, we asked the government for documents that should have shed a lot of light on Houston’s vulnerability to a massive hurricane. After finally receiving them, it turns out the documents are basically useless.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Border wall threatens wetlands
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Trump’s proposed border wall threatens wetlands in Presidio, a controversy at the comptroller’s office over handling of rare species and an interview with Kate Zerrenner of the Environmental Defense Fund.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Senate sends bill to governor discouraging weather-related lawsuits
A tort-reform bill that would discourage property owners from suing insurers over weather-related claims tentatively passed the Texas Senate on Tuesday.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Spotlighting interbasin transfers
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: A closer look at the regulatory structure of interbasin transfers, the Senate moves to protect the San Marcos River and an interview with Ashleigh Acevedo, an attorney at Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C.
