Acting Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson chose not to accept salary and benefits for a temporary position leading one of Texas’ largest and most high-profile agencies. Instead, he continues to earn $636,694 from the Lower Colorado River Authority, more than double what the previous health commissioner made.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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From 9/11 to COVID-19: Chief Nim Kidd answers the call
As Texas tries to recover from the effects of COVID-19, the head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management highlighted successes and challenges during a TV interview.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Citing coronavirus pandemic, Trump administration stops enforcing environmental laws
A Texas environmental protection group said it is “reckless” for the Environmental Protection Agency to waive enforcement of many protections. The federal agency said companies could have trouble complying due to the new coronavirus.
Posted in
Environment
A&M study: The future of Texas depends on climate preparedness
A study by five Aggie scientists indicates Texas should prepare for more extreme weather in the coming years — though it offers some glimmers of hope.
Posted in
Environment
Water main rupture sets off major disruption in Houston: citywide boil notice, Loop 610 flooded
The main break caused some early voting locations to close. All Houston ISD schools were closed Friday and set to reopen Monday, the school district announced.
Posted in
Energy
“It’s a joke”: Flaring expert finds big problems in report from Texas oil and gas regulator
“It looks more like a political manifesto to me,” a Texas A&M professor said about a report from the Railroad Commission of Texas.
Posted in
Environment
Texas sues company whose Port Neches chemical plant exploded
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued TPC Group on Friday, citing a slew of environmental violations at its Port Neches facility, including ones connected to a Nov. 27 explosion.
Posted in
Environment
Federal judge dismisses suit against Army Corps for post-Harvey flooding
U.S. Judge Loren A. Smith threw out a case brought by Houstonians whose properties flooded as a result of releases from Addicks and Barker dams.
Posted in
Energy
Report: Six Texas oil refineries spewing cancer-causing pollutant above federal threshold
An environmental nonprofit has released an analysis of first-of-its-kind air monitoring data that shows benzene levels at 10 U.S. petroleum refineries exceeded limits established in an Obama-era environmental regulation. Six are in Texas.
Posted in
Energy
Ahead of explosion, Port Neches plant reported an increase of rogue emissions of explosive gas
After the federal government required TPC Group to install air monitors at its Port Neches plant, the company detected a significant increase in the number and size of butadiene emissions in the months leading up to multiple blasts at the plant on Nov. 27.
