The climate, environment and energy caucus aims to start a conversation in the Legislature on how Texas can prepare for climate change and take advantage of the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
West Texas is on track to get even more nuclear waste — thanks to the federal government
A hazardous waste disposal company in Andrews County wants to handle more dangerous levels of nuclear waste. Federal agencies are pondering new rules that could allow more of it to come to Texas.
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Energy
Oil and gas cleanups are on Biden’s agenda. Will Texas embrace it?
Some areas of Texas could benefit from Biden’s federal directive to accelerate cleanups of legacy oil and gas, mining and hazardous waste contamination.
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Environment
Texas prepares to test for lead in schools’ drinking water for the first time
An updated EPA rule requires drinking water in elementary schools be tested for lead and copper — a mandate that emerged from the Flint, Michigan, water crisis.
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Environment
Biden to place environmental justice at center of sweeping climate plan
The president has directed federal agencies to invest in low-income and minority communities that have traditionally borne the brunt of pollution.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Toxic substance or water supply? Lawmakers to weigh whether wastewater from oil fields could replenish the state’s aquifers
A recent EPA decision will allow Texas to regulate water discharges from oil drilling operations. Some lawmakers see a future water supply for the state in the decision, while environmental groups — and some scientists — warn it could be risky.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas legislators eye tougher rules on chemical tanks to prevent explosions, spills during storms
A string of explosions involving little-regulated petroleum and chemical storage tanks have lawmakers and regulators talking about new rules as the Legislature prepares to convene this month.
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Energy
Environmental groups allege Texas rubber-stamped industrial plants’ pollution — and that the EPA looked the other way
The groups are suing the EPA, saying it failed to address concerns that air permits issued to big industrial facilities didn’t meet federal standards.
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Energy
Texas’ move to control coal ash pollution could shield industry from tougher rules under Biden-led EPA
Texas is close to finalizing a years-long effort to wrangle control of coal ash pollution from the EPA, a move that could, for a time, keep coal companies insulated from tougher rules expected from the next administration.
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Environment
In the shadow of “Shingle Mountain,” southeast Dallas neighbors fight to dismantle a legacy of environmental racism
The residents of Choate Road in southeast Dallas have seen the rise of Shingle Mountain, a more than 70,000-ton toxic waste dump that was created by a recycling company. Now they hope the city of Dallas keeps its promise to tear the mountain down.