Ten water projects received initial approval to split $1.28 billion in state money this year, but 13 others didn’t make the cut — including one that may supply drought-stricken Corpus Christi.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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State Government
Texas lifts safety rule enacted after deadly flood, clearing the way for some summer camps to reopen
Nineteen camps had sued over a regulation that required fiber optic connectivity. An agreement with the state allows sites to operate with other broadband internet service.
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Data Centers in Texas
Gas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texas’ grid connection queue
Data centers are largely driving the sudden rise in natural gas power projects on the waiting list to connect to Texas’ grid.
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Investigations
Texas lawmakers repeatedly failed to pass flood protections. Some could have saved lives.
Dozens of bills were rejected over nearly 60 years, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found. Some measures would have prohibited youth camps and new construction in high-risk flood areas.
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Environment
Corpus Christi to begin talks on privately built desalinization plant
A new Houston company hopes to build a $1.3 billion facility in the area and wants the city, which is on the brink of a water crisis, to commit to 30 years of purchases.
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Environment
South Texas residents suing SpaceX over alleged home damage
The lawsuit filed by 80 plaintiffs Thursday accuse Elon Musk’s company of gross negligence and trespassing for loud blasts from 11 rocket tests.
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Data Centers in Texas
Proposed Fort Bliss data center could use more power than all of El Paso
The far East El Paso complex, which the U.S. Army wants to be operational by 2027, is one of several the Department of Defense plans to support artificial intelligence in the military.
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Hill Country floods
Camp Mystic abandons bid to reopen this summer
Twenty-five campers, two counselors and the Hill Country Christian camp’s executive director died in a devastating 2025 flood. Families of victims had criticized plans to reopen.
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Environment
Corpus Christi delays action on plan to cut water use by 25% if emergency is declared
A Level 1 emergency, which could arrive in September, would limit households to 5,250 gallons a month under proposed restrictions. About 30% of residential customers use more.
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Hill Country floods
Poor preparation doomed Camp Mystic victims, investigator tells Texas lawmakers in harrowing account
The summer camp hadn’t prepared counselors and staff with adequate emergency training, an evacuation plan or flood preparedness supplies, the investigator concluded.