Texas has a wildfire season in winter, but climate change is extending it, scientists say.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Economy
As Biden and Trump visit the border, many Texas residents feel ignored
When the two presidents used the Texas-Mexico boundary as a backdrop for the national immigration fight, residents felt they were left out of the conversation.
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Panhandle Wildfires
Texans in the Panhandle recall towering smoke and darkened skies as wildfires crept near their towns
The fires have left at least two people dead and four injured firefighters. Cattle have been lost and homes and businesses decimated in their wake.
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Energy
“Nobody really knows what you’re supposed to do”: Leaking, exploding abandoned wells wreak havoc in West Texas
The Texas Railroad Commission is tasked with plugging wells. But the state regulators say their scope is limited.
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Panhandle Wildfires
Texas wildfires continue growing as firefighters struggle to contain massive Panhandle blazes
The five fires have burned more than a million acres — more than double the landmass of Houston — as residents have fled or sheltered in place.
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Environment
Crawfish prices soaring after last year’s drought wiped out most of the harvest
“It’s like the stock market crash for crawfish,” said Thomas Rozelle, a Pasadena wholesaler struggling to find enough supply for his Houston customers.
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Environment
Texas Tech System receives 6,000 acres in state’s “Big Empty” region for research, learning labs
The property is currently an observatory surrounded by open land. System officials say they’ll use it for agricultural research and other opportunities.
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Energy
Railroad Commission approves oilfield waste ponds next to Baptist camp in Permian Basin
Martin Water is building an oil and gas waste recycling facility next to the Circle 6 Baptist Camp in the Permian Basin despite concerns about water and air pollution.
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Climate Change in Texas
Rescued Gulf of Mexico coral in a Galveston aquarium could help the species’ survival
A new report found that coral off Texas’ coast could die off by 2040 because of climate change.
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Environment
The EPA sets tougher national soot standards. These 10 Texas counties already exceed them.
Some environmental experts are skeptical that Texas can meet the new rules on particulate matter, which can cause serious respiratory problems.