July 2, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Supreme Court let stand a $14.25 million penalty against ExxonMobil for over 16,000 Clean Air Act violations at its Baytown plant...
Mandatory Home Buyouts in Houston, Texas: Program Overview and Lessons Learned
Summary
Houston’s Harris County initiated the first large-scale mandatory home buyout program in the U.S. after Hurricane Harvey, targeting flood-prone neighborhoods. The program, part of "Project Recovery," aims to relocate 585 households and 390 business owners by 2026. While designed to mitigate future flood damage, the program disproportionately affects low-income, predominantly Latino communities. Challenges include inadequate financial compensation, confusing case management, and a lack of affordable replacement housing. Lessons emphasize the need for high-quality communication, support for vulnerable participants, and planning for relocation difficulties. These insights could guide future mandatory buyout efforts in flood-prone areas.
July 1, 2025
Climate
Climate
Recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened federal agency powers and funding, enabling the Trump administration to bypass environmental oversight...
June 27, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change
Disputes over climate finance and fossil fuel phaseout stalled progress at the Bonn climate summit, threatening preparations for COP30 in Brazil.
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...
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...