Wind changes caused by the La Niña climate pattern and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures are expected to be major drivers to this year’s hurricane season.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Texas company fined $30 million for 2019 chemical explosion near Beaumont
Two explosions at TPC Group’s facility in Port Neches injured workers and triggered the evacuation of more than 50,000 people.
Posted in
Environment
Plans to spend billions on a flood-prone East Texas highway may not solve the problem
TxDOT says it can’t guarantee that upgrades to one of Houston’s main hurricane evacuation routes will prevent future flooding of U.S. 59.
Posted in
Energy
Texas lizard added to endangered species list over the oil and gas industry’s objections
The dunes sagebrush lizard lives in the same West Texas land that supports the state’s biggest oil and gas fields, and industry leaders say the new designation will hurt drilling and production.
Posted in
East Texas Floods
The government wants to buy their flood-prone homes. But these Texans aren’t moving.
In Harris County, the flood control district wants to buy properties along the San Jacinto River that have flooded repeatedly. Some residents aren’t leaving.
Posted in
Energy
Photos: Storms toppled transmission towers, downed trees and blew out windows across Houston area
The severe weather caused widespread damage, killed at least four people and left hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power.
Posted in
Energy
Some Houston-area power outages could last weeks after deadly storms cause widespread damage
At least four people were killed and much of the state’s largest city was brought to a standstill. Crews are racing to restore power and remove debris.
Posted in
Environment
Barge hits, damages bridge in Galveston, causing an oil spill
The damaged bridge connects Pelican Island, where the Texas A&M Galveston campus is located, to Galveston Island.
Posted in
Environment
El Paso residents rally to protect a Rio Grande wetland from possible highway project
Potential routes for a highway in El Paso’s Mission Valley run alongside a restored wetland called Rio Bosque. Environmental advocates are urging TxDOT to scrap the idea.
Posted in
Environment
North Texas landowners trying to stop a reservoir that Wichita Falls calls crucial
State regulators face a critical decision this week on whether to approve a permit for a new reservoir that the city of Wichita Falls says is vital for ensuring enough water for the region. But some locals are fighting the project.