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Environment

A New Generation of Industries Emerges in Texas from Federal Push for Mining Revival

The United States doesn’t produce the minerals and metals needed for renewable energy, microchips, or military technology. Authorities want to change that as quickly as possible.

by Dylan Baddour

Keep Reading

Where the Water Reached

by Brenda Bazán

Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our May/June 2025 Issue

by Gus Bova

Corpus Christi Launches Emergency Water Projects as Reservoirs Dwindle and Industrial Demand Grows 

by Dylan Baddour

Seemingly endless rows of solar panels on a scrubby grass ground. Jul 12, 2023

Texas Wastes Renewable Energy During June Heatwave

Solar and wind input is setting records, but the state’s inefficient grid is unable to handle the full load it could deliver in the ongoing heat wave.

by Keaton Peters

a flame bursts from a smokestack at an oil and gas processing plant, called a flare. Emissions were way up in June as gas companies flared to avoid explosions. Jun 30, 2023

Pipeline Operators Release or Flare Tons of Gas During June Heatwave

One company, Targa Resources, vented more than 500,000 pounds of toxins into the air during 17 reported events over a week-long period of extreme heat.

by Dylan Baddour

Oil and gas company infrastructure sits on the edge of the Brazos river. Jun 23, 2023

Dow’s Reservoir and the Realities of Flooding in Texas

The petrochemical giant's impact studies fail to address serious concerns about their proposed Harris Reservoir Expansion along the Brazos.

by Lisa Gossett

Christopher Jones, a Black man in a ball cap and t-shirt, poses with his head to the side and down, in front a steaming oil refinery. Jun 08, 2023

Over 20 Years, Texas Allowed 1 Billion Pounds Excess Emissions

Massive pollution incidents have ballooned in Texas, with an almost total lack of enforcement in response.

by Grist Staff

Pam Tilly, a Black woman stands on the bank of a small river in Freeport, Texas with a grassy field and a neighborhood behind her, homes which will soon be lost to the Port of Freeport. Apr 26, 2023

Goodbye to a Neighborhood

The industrial takeover of Freeport’s East End, a historically Black community, is almost complete.

by Delger Erdenesanaa

A deliberately blurry photo of a coal power plant in San Antonio, Texas, with a cooling pond in front of it. The coal plant is shot at dusk with a moody vignette filter. Jan 26, 2023

San Antonio to End Use of Coal Within Five Years

But CPS Energy’s decision to switch to natural gas highlights the potential and peril of cities’ clean energy transition.

by Delger Erdenesanaa

Al Gore, wearing a suit and tie, makes an open-handed, imploring gesture as he speaks during the climate summit. Jan 04, 2023

Climate Advocacy’s Elder Statesman

Al Gore talks about what’s next for the environmental movement in Texas and beyond.

by Delger Erdenesanaa

The Austin downtown skyline at sunrise, with the light reflecting off the water of Town Lake and the skyscrapers bordering it. Dec 09, 2022

Tense Runoff Election Pits Old Austin Versus New

The housing crisis and the climate crisis have shaped mayoral and city council elections in Texas’ fast-growing capital city.

by Jack Craver

Nov 09, 2022

Texas Oyster Fishing at a ‘Crossroads’

Citing low numbers, the Parks and Wildlife Commission has closed most of the state’s bays to commercial harvest.

by Delger Erdenesanaa

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