The smell of oil wells has long permeated Caldwell County, near Austin and San Antonio. Now researchers have documented wells releasing dangerous amounts of hydrogen sulfide gas.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Responsive Economic Dispatch: Reaching a New Milestone in Power
Through this program, customers can lower costs, optimize spending, and receive a tailored solution helping them get more from their power.
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2024 Texas Elections
Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seat
The first-term Republican defending her seat said a private school voucher program will help her community, especially students from low-income families.
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Environment
Texas’ battle against deer disease threatens breeding industry
Texas has seen a record number of chronic wasting disease cases this year. The state is looking for new ways to contain the spread without driving deer breeders out of business.
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Energy
Power plant expansion tied to Bitcoin mining faces backlash in rural Hood County
Granbury residents say a noisy Bitcoin mine keeps them up at night. Now a plan to expand the power plant that fuels the mine is drawing opposition over pollution concerns.
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Energy
Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours
Texas isn’t expected to take a direct hit when the storm makes landfall as a hurricane. But storm surge and dangerous winds are possible.
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Energy
Texas proposes first new rules for oilfield waste in 40 years
While environmentalists say the new rules don’t do enough to protect groundwater, oil and gas operators are contesting stricter requirements for waste pits near wells.
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Environment
How we assisted Houston residents in monitoring air quality and reporting pollution
After identifying flaws in the state’s air monitoring, the Tribune hosted workshops to inform Houston Ship Channel communities.
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Environment
In South Texas, SpaceX faces skepticism over environmental damage
A federal agency has paused some of SpaceX’s plans amid concerns over the environment.
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Graphics and data reporting
Texas takes its first steps to protect its mountain lions
While many other states limit hunting of the apex predator, Texas is only now introducing rules to ban canned hunts and require regular checking of traps.