In Liberty County, one neighborhood has been slowly abandoned as years of flooding and intense rains prompted a spiral of decline. A struggling buyout program shows the complexities and limitations of “managed retreat” from disaster-prone areas.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Environment
Texas “Ike Dike” coastal barrier project could cost $57 billion with inflation, Army Corps says
The latest figure is 68% higher than an earlier estimate of $34 billion, and it’s unclear when — or whether — Congress will appropriate the money to build the massive system of gates intended to protect the Houston region from storm surge.
Posted in
The 2023 Texas Tribune Festival
The 2023 Texas Tribune Festival in photos
Here’s a look back at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival through the eyes of Tribune photographers.
Posted in
Environment
Toxic red tide algae, last seen in 2018, returns to Texas coast
Areas of the Texas Gulf Coast are seeing blooms of the algae, which can make people sick and kill fish.
Sponsor Post
How bp is growing its Permian Basin production—and reducing emissions
bp’s transformation can serve as a model for how Texas, the US and the world can achieve energy security while also meeting the challenge of climate change.
Posted in
Energy
As federal money flows to carbon capture and storage, Texas bets on an undersea bonanza
The state is awarding offshore leases to oil and gas companies that hope to bury heat-trapping carbon dioxide deep beneath the seafloor. But critics worry about leakage and the lackluster record of carbon capture facilities onshore.
Posted in
Environment
Texas enlists out-of-state volunteers to combat wildfires
As the state’s wildfire season continues, rural fire departments and their volunteers are strained to keep up with hundreds of fires.
Posted in
Energy
U.S. Rep. Randy Weber concerned Texas projects hurt amid Freedom Caucus budget fight
The far-right congressman from Friendswood still backs the conservative push to lower spending, but worries bipartisan Texas projects have been impacted.
Posted in
Environment
SpaceX can’t launch another rocket until dozens of fixes are made, FAA says
An investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration found multiple failures that led to the explosion of a SpaceX rocket in the Rio Grande Valley in April.
Posted in
Environment
The summer’s record heat has caused costly damage to Texas water systems
As dry soils contract, underground pipes rupture and cities must fix thousands of water leaks, frustrating conservation efforts and highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to a warming climate.