“Pocket prairies” have been popping up all over Houston, helping beautify the city while preserving the native plants that are now harder to find in Harris County.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
Off Beaten Path, Coastal Cabins Are Paradise for Their Permit Holders
Through a nearly 40-year-old program run by the Texas General Land Office, several people hold permits to use cabins on remote, state-owned islands near the Intracoastal Waterway. Permit holders love the isolation — and the fishing.
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Energy
Weekend Insider: Pocket Prairies, School Spending
Houston conservationists reintroduce native plants to the area, and we examine how much money school districts spend per student.
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Energy
TribLive: A Conversation with Boone Pickens
At last Friday’s quarterly meeting of the Texas Lyceum, I interviewed the energy magnate about his exit from the water business, the status of the Pickens Plan and Obama vs. Romney.
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Energy
In Fight Between Texas and EPA, Who’s Winning?
A federal appeals court on Monday handed Texas a victory in its long-running battle with the Environmental Protection Agency. But after years of squabbling between the two sides, who’s winning — and at what cost — remains unclear.
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Energy
Court Faults EPA’s Rejection of Flexible Permits Program
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency unfairly disapproved of a Texas permitting program for air emissions. The opinion says the EPA must further consider the program.
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Energy
Amid Lingering Drought, a Sweet Silver Lining
Triple-digit temperatures and parched lands may not be ideal for Texas farmers. But the dry conditions this summer have bestowed an unexpected gift on farmers’ fruit and vegetable crops: enhanced flavor.
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Energy
Concerns Over Air Pollution Weigh on Fracking Industry
Oil and gas production has soared in Texas since the introduction of the mining technique called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” But the boom in production has also raised concerns about air pollution.
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Energy
Study Links Gas Drilling to Earthquakes in Texas
Texans living near the Dallas-Fort Worth drilling area called the Barnett Shale may have recently noticed some tremors under their feet. A new study out this week from the University of Texas names the oil and gas industry as the culprit.
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Energy
Smart Water Meters Take Root in Texas Cities
Across Texas, cities are installing electronic water meters. The transition will save money, officials say, because meter readers will no longer have to go from yard to yard. Plus, the new meters make it easy to detect leaks.