Years of blundering and project delays have pushed the South Texas city to the brink of crisis as drought bears down and industrial water use grows.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Economy
Texas says it’s strict on oil field emissions. New data shows it’s not.
Texas’ rubber-stamp system allows drillers to release vast amounts of natural gas into the atmosphere.
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Environment
Settlement reached in Texas, New Mexico water dispute
In a statement, the El Paso Water Improvement District No. 1 said that the settlement will improve efficiency, conserve scarce water resources and ensure that water is available for the district’s farmers and the city.
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Investigations
A Texas congressman is quietly helping Elon Musk pitch building $760M tunnels under Houston to ease flooding
Experts in Houston have been studying the idea of building massive tunnels to divert floodwaters. Musk’s company wants a piece of the project.
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Energy
Texas power plants and chemical companies benefit as Trump eases pollution rules, experts say
A two-year delay on new mercury rules benefits coal-fired power plants, while chemical plants got an exemption from stricter air pollution standards.
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Environment
Environmental laws waived to build border wall in Texas wildlife refuge
Advocates say there’s no national security justification for building a wall through a Rio Grande Valley wildlife refuge that provides habitat to ocelots and other endangered species.
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TribCast
TribCast: How will Texas protect its campers from future floods?
In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk to Texas Tribune climate reporter Emily Foxhall about the emotional pleas Camp Mystic parents made to state lawmakers and analyze the proposed new laws in response to the Kerrville floods.
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Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
Texas House approves bill that would limit water exports from East Texas — for now
A Dallas businessman has proposed studying the aquifer to see if he can pump millions of gallons out of East Texas, a plan that residents distrust.
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Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
East Texas lawmaker, with governor’s blessing, wants to stop proposed water deal
Dallas businessman Kyle Bass has proposed exporting millions of gallons of water from East Texas to other parts of the state.
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Hill Country floods
Hill Country nonprofit pledges $40 million to help rebuild flood victims’ homes
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has a four-pronged recovery plan: rebuilding homes, supporting mental health, economic recovery, and reviving the area’s quality of life.