The tropical shrubs have been spreading north and growing more abundantly as climate change makes temperatures warmer. Scientists are unravelling what that means for coastal habitats.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
East Texas Floods
Rain eases in Southeast Texas but flooding will take time to recede
Thousands of residents have either evacuated or are now under shelter orders.
Posted in
East Texas Floods
Recovery a faraway thought for East Texas flood evacuees as more rain is expected
East Texans tried to reach their homes by boat and kayaks Saturday. Others remained pessimistic that the water would recede soon.
Posted in
East Texas Floods
“We lost everything”: East Texas residents confront their future after flooding
Dozens of evacuees, including the elderly and barefoot children, crowded in an old school building Friday, praying for clear skies on Monday.
Posted in
East Texas Floods
How the flooding in Southeast Texas got so dire
Since Sunday, multiple rounds of rainfall have soaked the region, causing rivers and creeks to swell and rise out of their banks.
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.
Posted in
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.