In the past, settlement money involving large-scale industrial accidents has largely gone to the state. But as Dave Fehling of StateImpact Texas reports, one Houston lawyer representing thousands of Texas residents says he has found a way to enforce environmental laws better than the government can.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
TribuneFest: Smitherman’s Energy Plan for Texas
At the Trib’s April 13 energy symposium at the University of Houston, Railroad Comission Chairman Barry Smitherman sketched out his vision of an energy plan for the state.
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Energy
GOP Candidates for Railroad Commission Share a Target: The EPA
One overriding theme unifies the multiple Republican candidates for two Texas Railroad Commission slots: The Environmental Protection Agency has overreached and must be scaled back.
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Energy
Combs, Others Say Plan Protects Rare Lizards, Oil and Gas Interests
Comptroller Susan Combs and other officials testified in favor of a plan that aims to balance protecting a rare lizard species and maintaining oil and gas production in its habitat.
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Energy
EPA’s Armendariz Resigns Days After “Crucify” Comment Surfaces
The resignation of Al Armendariz, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency for the Southwest region, was met with regret by environmental groups and relief in the oil and gas industry.
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Energy
TribuneFest: A Conversation with Keffer and Strama
At the Trib’s April 13 energy symposium at the University of Houston, I talked with state Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, the House Energy Resources Committee chairman, and state Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, a committee member.
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Energy
TribuneFest: Is Clean Energy an Oxymoron?
As part of our day-long symposium on energy and the environment at the University of Houston on April 13, the Trib’s Kate Galbraith led a discussion on clean and renewable energy.
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Energy
Solar Panels for Fort Bliss, Fort Hood? Why Not, Bases Say of Green Efforts
Fort Bliss has launched a massive effort to cut its net energy and water usage and reduce waste as part of a focus on self-sufficiency. Fort Hood is also working to go greener, but high upfront costs pose challenges.
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Energy
Perry Slams EPA Official’s “Crucify” Comment
A video going viral shows Al Armendariz, who heads the EPA regional office that includes Texas, likening his job in 2010 to the crucifixion actions of the Romans — comments Gov. Rick Perry says are “unacceptable and offensive.”
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Energy
TribuneFest: The Impact of the Eagle Ford Shale
As part of our day-long symposium on energy and the environment at the University of Houston on April 13, UH Law Center Assistant Professor Tracy Hester led a discussion of the economic and environmental impact of the Eagle Ford Shale.