greg abbott
Texas’ new appellate court raises concerns for environmentalists
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's recent creation of the 15th Court of Appeals, a body seen as favorable to business interests, has sparked fears among environmental advocates who believe it undermines regulatory oversight.
Jim Morris, Leah Clark and Manuela Silva report for Public Health Watch.
In short:
- The new court, established by the Texas Legislature, will hear civil cases involving the state and significant business disputes.
- Environmentalists worry the court will bypass the more progressive 3rd Court of Appeals, which has historically been more sympathetic to environmental concerns.
- High-stakes cases, including those involving major pollution permits, will now be handled by the new court, potentially weakening environmental protections.
Key quote:
“This is a way for Texas to create a very conservative court that I suspect the governor believes will be less friendly to environmental interests and probably very friendly to business.”
— Ilan Levin, senior counsel, Environmental Integrity Project.
Why this matters:
Critics argue that this move undermines judicial impartiality, potentially leading to laxer enforcement of environmental protections and health regulations. Read more: Texas has more chemical emergencies than any other state and they’re disproportionately affecting Latino communities.
Keep reading...Show less
Texas preemption law overrides city laws on workers rights, evictions
Unprecedented state legislation could override city laws in policy areas ranging from workers’ rights and housing to finance and agriculture. Opponents, who have nicknamed the legislation the “Death Star” bill, see it as the latest escalation in a years-long Republican-led effort to rein in the power of Texas’ left-leaning metros.
Texas heat wave: Why we're talking about the power grid again
This week, a heat wave – triple-digit temperatures – and a tornado had the state’s power authority, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, asking residents to cut power consumption and turn up their thermostats. The timing was awkward for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Newsletter
As heat wave hits Texas, new law dissolves water breaks, labor rules
A law in Texas will soon override labor ordinances statewide that guarantee, among other things, construction workers are given 10-minute breaks to drink water and rest in the shade.
Abbott against economic incentives for renewables in possible Chapter 313 replacement
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday he would prefer that tax breaks for renewable energy companies are not included in any economic incentive bill the Legislature might pass to replace Chapter 313, a popular corporate tax break that expired at the end of last year.
Texas would profit from Biden's climate bill — but politicians prefer 'cheap, plentiful' fossil fuels
Activists predict relying on state implementation will cause ‘a comprehensive total failure.’
Grid nightmare haunts Texas governor's race
In his bid to turn the Texas governor’s mansion blue, former Rep. Beto O’Rourke has seized on the state’s beleaguered power grid as a reason to oust Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
