On Nov. 3, Texas voters will consider whether to add another seven amendments to the hundreds already in the state constitution.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Sid Miller Sees Human Role in Climate Change
After seeing the smog in China, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says he believes human actions have contributed to climate change โ though Texas isn’t a big part of the problem.
Predictions of Woe from Federal Clean Air Plan Softened
President Obamaโs plan to combat climate change will cause higher power prices in Texas and threaten electric reliability, but not as much as originally feared, operators of the stateโs main grid, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas say in a new analysis.
Abbott to Feds: Cease Your “Land Grab”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott fired a new volley at the Bureau of Land Management Friday, adding to the years-long standoff between the state and the federal agency over the ownership of roughly 90,000 acres along the Red River.
Austin Council Votes to Boost Solar Power
Austin is poised to dramatically expand its solar footprint after the City Council on Thursday directed Austinโs utility to line up contracts adding 600 megawatts of solar power to the city’s energy mix by the end of 2019.
New Questions Face San Antonio Water Pipeline
Nearly a year after the San Antonio City Council unanimously approved what could be the most expensive water project in the region’s history, some council members appear to be having doubts.
High Court Hears Groundwater Case
After hearing oral arguments Wednesday, the Texas Supreme Court will consider whether a provision in oil-and-gas law that protects landowners who donโt own the minerals beneath their property should also apply to those who donโt own the groundwater.
High Court Might Clarify Water and Surface Rights
With developers, water marketers and others gobbling up acreage to secure groundwater rights, the state’s highest civil court is set to consider what rights landowners have to protect them from unfettered development of pumping operations on their land.
Laura Bush Wants to Preserve Texas’ Natural Beauty
Former first lady Laura Bush is heading up a new non-profit, Texan by Nature, aimed at convincing private landowners to embrace conservation and nurture the state’s native beauty.
In Volkswagen Challenge, Paxton Wants to Do It Himself
Seeking to fight scandal-plagued Volkswagen alone, Attorney General Ken Paxton is asking two Texas counties to halt their lawsuits against the automaker.


