Pitted Against Waste
East Texans are uniting to fight oil waste pits in bucolic areas near the Louisiana line—all run by an operator who’s been cited for dozens of violations, and a worker’s death.
oil and gas
Gulf Coast Petrochemical Buildout Draws Billions in Tax Breaks For Polluters
A new report by the Environmental Integrity Project compiled data on every U.S. plastics plant built, expanded or proposed since 2012, revealing massive growth in Texas.
Port Arthur’s 30-Year Fight for Environmental Justice
A report from the fencelines in the booming Southeast Texas petrochemical corridor.
Oil and Gas Wastewater Spills Pollute the Lone Star State
Pollution from the energy sector has impacted soil, contaminated water resources and killed wildlife while the state resists new regulations.
Texas Court Strikes Down Air Pollution Permit for Gulf Coast Oil Terminal
A judge reversed a 2022 decision by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality which involved its controversial “one-mile rule” to deny hearing requests.
Texas Still Issues Thousands of Permits for Natural Gas Flaring
Advocates say the approval process is more of a "rubber stamp" for oil and gas companies to keep polluting indefinitely.
Texas Wants to Adopt Outdated Cancer Risk Standard Despite Concerns
The state is proposing to approve a 17-year-old standard that leading scientists and public health officials call inadequate.
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Texas Bets on Undersea Carbon Capture, Despite Concerns
Critics worry about leakage through rock layers, pipeline safety and the lackluster record of the technology onshore.
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.
Community-Based Climate Justice on the Gulf Coast
From Appalachia to Texas and Louisiana, new environmental justice reports highlight how our struggles are connected.