Since Sunday, multiple rounds of rainfall have soaked the region, causing rivers and creeks to swell and rise out of their banks.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Panhandle Wildfires
Decayed power pole sparked the largest wildfire in state history, Texas House committee confirms
A lack of air support and ineffective coordination hurt efforts to contain this year’s Panhandle fires, the committee said.
Posted in
East Texas Floods
Harris, Montgomery counties declare emergencies as East Texas region floods
Parts of Harris County, including The Woodlands, were under flood warnings Thursday.
Posted in
East Texas Floods
East Texans brace for prolonged evacuation orders after rainfall drenches Polk County
East Texas has been hit by several severe rainstorms this spring, and several counties have declared disasters.
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Energy
Companies aim to release more treated oilfield wastewater into rivers and streams
Texas regulators are issuing permits to discharge large volumes of treated “produced water” into some waterways. Questions remain about the toxic pollutants found in the wastewater.
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Economy
Coal power plants must reduce pollution under new federal rules
The rules will require coal-fueled plants, including Texas plants that produced about 12% of power on the state’s grid this year, to reduce carbon emissions and mercury pollution and handle disposed coal ash more safely.
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Environment
Is the ocelot, the endangered South Texas wildcat, making a comeback?
Conservation groups found a sign of hope, but scientists say it’s too soon to celebrate.
Posted in
Guides
What you need to know about toxic “forever chemicals” the EPA is restricting
The EPA recently set new limits on the toxic chemicals used to make everything from nonstick pans to firefighting foam. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family.
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Environment
Rural Texas towns report cyberattacks that caused one water system to overflow
Local officials said the public was not put in any danger and the attempts were reported to federal authorities.
Posted in
Environment
Amid fears of arsenic in private water wells, Texas A&M is offering low-cost tests in Ector and Midland counties
Officials are worried that there’s arsenic in some of the estimated 13,500 private water wells in Ector and Midland counties.