June 25, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Texas A&M researchers determined that climate change raised wholesale electricity prices in Texas by 20% during the summers of 2023 and 2024...
Exxon is quietly planning a new $8.6 billion plastics plant in Texas
Summary
Exxon has applied for tax subsidies to build an $8.6 billion plastics plant in Point Comfort, Texas, raising concerns among environmentalists and local residents. The proposed facility, which would produce plastic pellets, ethylene, and other chemicals, is planned near existing industrial sites that have long polluted the area. Activists warn that the project will worsen air and water contamination in a community already suffering from industrial pollution. Exxon claims the plant will create 300 jobs, but critics argue that massive tax incentives for a highly profitable company are unjustified. Financial analysts also question the long-term viability of new plastics production as global demand shifts away from fossil fuel-based materials. Local activist Diane Wilson, who previously won a landmark pollution settlement against Formosa Plastics in the area, vows to fight Exxon’s plans, fearing the plant will further harm the environment and local fishing industries.
June 24, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Scientists warn that extreme heat exacerbates air pollution, increasing health risks, especially in marginalized communities, as climate change intensifies...
June 18, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge deemed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's halt of $600M in environmental justice grants illegal, stating it defied Congress’ appropriations...
June 4, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Health officials in Texas warn that rising temperatures and recent storms have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, increasing the risk of diseases...
June 2, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court's ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County limits environmental litigation by emphasizing agency discretion under NEPA...
May 30, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation
The Supreme Court unanimously restricted federal environmental reviews under NEPA to direct project impacts, easing infrastructure approvals...
May 29, 2025
Energy
Energy
Over $14 billion in U.S. clean energy projects have been canceled in 2025 due to President Trump’s rollback of climate policies, stalling industry momentum...
May 23, 2025
Climate
Climate
Zillow's analysis reveals minority homeowners, especially Black and Hispanic, face significantly higher climate risks—such as extreme heat...
May 19, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore $176 million in environmental grants cut from nonprofits and municipalities, ruling the executive branch...
May 19, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill to shield oil companies from liability when treated fracking water is reused, aiming to boost water supplies amid drought
May 19, 2025
Climate
Climate
Africa has launched a continent-wide space agency to coordinate national efforts, improve climate data collection, and enhance resilience to extreme weather...
May 15, 2025
Environmental
Environmental
An internal FEMA review reveals critical readiness gaps just weeks before hurricane season, while a Rice University study shows only 8% of Houstonians feel prepared...
May 8, 2025
Climate
Climate
A Nature Cities study found Houston is the fastest-sinking U.S. city, with 42% of its land subsiding over 5mm annually due to groundwater and oil extraction, increasing flood risk
May 5, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Residents of East Houston, like Angela Jackson, are fed up with the overwhelming stench and illegal dumping near the McCarty Road Landfill...
May 1, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Trump administration’s EPA is terminating over $2.4 billion in environmental justice grants, mostly aiding poor and minority communities...