There Are ‘No Real Consequences’ for Toxic Emissions Events
In some cases, these “chemical releases” aren’t illegal. In others, state regulators give polluters the benefit of the doubt.
oil and gas
A Texas Town Stopped an Energy Giant from Drilling Next to a Day Care. But It’s Trying to Start Up Again.
Arlington’s experience shows how difficult it can be to stop greenhouse gas production – even when it’s putting children’s health at risk.
The Texas Railroad Commission Is A ‘Captive Agency’
It’s long been an open secret that Texas’ oil and gas regulators are friendly to the industry. A new series of reports shows just how deep their ties go.
Report: Oil Companies Are Burning Off Natural Gas—and Leaving Regulators in the Dark
The Earthworks report is also the first analysis to identify what could constitute widespread illegal flaring in Texas oil fields.
The Unlikely Demise of Texas’ Biggest Corporate Tax Break
After 20 years, the state’s most lucrative corporate welfare program comes to an end.
Waves of Abandonment
The Permian Basin is ground zero for a billion-dollar surge of zombie oil wells.
‘No Teeth and No Funding’: How Regulators Failed to Police the Oil Industry
Budget cuts and long term disinvestment in local environmental agencies have hobbled the states’ ability to oversee fracking.
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Dying Oil Companies’ Parting Gift: Millions in Clean Up Costs
One Texas oil and gas company left the state responsible for almost $10 million after its 2019 bankruptcy.
The Oil and Gas Industry Still Hasn’t Reckoned with #MeToo
Groping. Catcalling. Crude texts. We spoke to women in the oil industry who say they faced sexual harassment and were punished for speaking out.
Illegal Air Pollution is Skyrocketing in Texas, But State Regulators are Ignoring Complaints
An environmental watchdog submitted evidence of dozens of violations, but the state’s environmental agency rarely followed up.