Environment
Once Again, School District Shuts Down Tax Break for Gas Exporter
Feeling the Burn in Big Bend
An epic drought has scientists racing to predict the future of Big Bend's unique sky islands.
The 2011 drought that wiped out half the piñon pines in Big Bend’s sky island is a warning shot as the Southwest succumbs to climate change....Read More
Outgoing State Rep. Jim Keffer on Trump, Climate Change and Being a Tea Party Target
Set to retire in January, the Republican reflects on controversial energy legislation, whether climate change is real, and his grudging support for Trump....Read More
The Texas Miracle #22: Dancing with the Snark (and Rick Perry)
Rick Perry makes his reality TV debut, an abortion storytelling show travels across Texas, and the latest Sid Miller silliness.
Rick Perry makes his reality TV debut, our journos struggle with the climate 'skeptic' who heads a federal science committee, and an abortion storytelling show ...Read More
Climate Science ‘Skeptic’ Lamar Smith Claims to Aid Scientists in Latest Crusade
In a letter to Smith, legal scholars called his subpoenas over the Exxon climate change investigations “misguided” and “unenforceable.”
Congressman Lamar Smith, vocal defender of Exxon over claims the oil giant misled shareholders on climate change, says he supports scientists' free speech....Read More
Report: Seven Texas Coal Plants Could Close in Coming Years
Some plants are likely to lose hundreds of millions of dollars, Public Citizen says.
The plants will struggle to turn a profit due to low natural gas prices and increasing competition and regulations, according to a new report....Read More
Oil and Gas Smog Projected to Cause 140,000 Asthma Attacks in Kids
Emissions from the oil and gas industry will be responsible for a number of negative health effects in 2025, according to the environmental group Clean Air Task Force.
Emissions from the oil and gas industry will be responsible for a number of negative health effects in 2025, according to the environmental group Clean Air Task...Read More
Green Groups Urge Lawmakers: Don’t Leave Taxpayers on the Hook for Coal Cleanup
Following an Observer investigation into loose coal regulations that could put taxpayers on the hook for mine cleanup, green groups are demanding change....Read More
Mine Games
With little more than a promise, the Texas Railroad Commission is trusting a struggling coal industry to pay for the cost of cleaning up old mines.
In mid-2014, Texas’ biggest utility, Energy Future Holdings, was about to file for bankruptcy, and Texas regulators suddenly had a big problem on their hands...Read More
State Toxicologist, a Skeptic of Mainstream Air Pollution Science, Seeks Seat on EPA Panel
Michael Honeycutt said it'd be a "minor miracle" if he was selected for an EPA clean air panel, but he sent more than 100 emails asking for support, anyway....Read More