As the Formula One Grand Prix gears up for its Austin debut, the event has become an example of the promises and pitfalls of trying to organize a carbon-neutral sports event. In the case of F1, the real challenge comes off the track.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Utility’s Proposal to Help Rice Farmers Faces Pushback
The Lower Colorado River Authority, the utility that controls the water in the Highland Lakes, has come under fire from Central Texans for a proposal to send water downstream to rice farmers, who were cut off earlier this year due to drought conditions.
Posted in
Energy
Sierra Club’s Radioactive Waste Fight Heats Up
The battle between the Sierra Club and Harold Simmons’ Waste Control Specialists nuclear disposal site is intensifying as Andrews County joins the fray with a lawsuit against the environmental group.
Posted in
Energy
TCEQ Chairman Plans Meeting With New EPA Regional Chief
Bryan Shaw, the TCEQ chairman, told an Austin conference he has already had two “productive” calls with Ron Curry, the new regional head of the Environmental Protection Agency. The two plan to meet within about a month, Shaw said.
Posted in
Energy
What are Mangrove Trees Telling Us About the Texas Coast?
A research team is studying how changes in land development and vegetation are affecting the ability of Texas coast wetlands to absorb carbon dioxide. An increase in mangrove population is raising new questions for the team.
Posted in
Energy
Symbol of Texas Owes its Survival in Part to Oklahoma
As Bevo arrives in Dallas ahead of Saturday’s Red River Rivalry game, it’s worth remembering that longhorn cattle might have gone extinct nearly a century ago but for the quick actions of some federal employees, who assembled a herd on an Oklahoma wildlife refuge.
Posted in
Energy
As Drought Persists, Water Seeps on to the Issue List
Things are starting to move on the water policy front, with Texas House Speaker Joe Straus and others saying water will be a focus of the upcoming session. Meanwhile, West Texas keeps getting drier.
Posted in
Energy
Along Gulf Coast, a Downside to Surging Oil Production
Oil production along the Gulf Coast has helped cut U.S. crude imports by 20 percent since 2005. But environmentalists say the increased production isn’t without drawbacks, including strain on the state’s rail, pipeline and highway systems.
Posted in
Energy
Hearing on Smart Meters Draws Impassioned Testimony
A Texas Senate committee heard sometimes emotional testimony Tuesday about smart-meter installations, as opponents of the installation argued that their rights had been violated and the meters carried health risks.
Posted in
Energy
West Texas Water Woes Run Deep, Despite Rain
Despite the recent deluge, the drought in West Texas is not over, and experts say the perennially dry region must plan carefully for the future. Pressure is also growing on the Legislature to address the problem next year.