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Texas identifies millions at risk in first statewide flood plan
In a stark reminder of the state's vulnerability to extreme weather, Texas' latest flood plan has unveiled that approximately one in six residents lives or works in areas prone to flooding.
In short:
- Over 5 million Texans are at risk of flooding, with nearly 1.3 million homes in flood-prone areas.
- The plan recommends over $49 billion for flood mitigation, focusing heavily on the "Ike Dike" coastal barrier.
- Recommendations include establishing a flood early warning system and a technical assistance program for rural communities.
Key quote:
"When the plan is approved, it's going to be a historic moment for Texas. This will be a really critical piece in understanding the topography and where you have higher and lower elevations in order to properly plan for which parts of the state are going to be subject to the risk."
— Sarah Kirkle, director of policy and legislative affairs for the Texas Water Conservation Association
Why this matters:
The new plan highlights the pressing challenges faced by Texans as climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of floods. With nearly 17% of the population at risk, state officials are calling for robust measures, including improved drainage systems, the construction of protective barriers, and enhanced emergency response protocols. Health experts also raise concerns about the potential public health implications. Floodwaters can carry contaminants, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The stress and displacement caused by frequent flooding can also have long-term mental health effects on affected communities.
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Photo by Sungrow EMEA on Unsplash
Rising costs signal success for Biden's climate initiatives
The Inflation Reduction Act's clean-energy incentives are proving more effective than anticipated, leading to increased costs but potentially greater environmental benefits.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act's cost has doubled due to its unexpected popularity and effective regulations, indicating a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Investments in clean-energy manufacturing, particularly in solar panels and electric vehicles, have surged, benefiting from the Act's tax breaks.
- The Act's success in promoting electric vehicle use and clean-energy manufacturing may lead to significant reductions in U.S. emissions, aligning with climate change goals.
Key quote:
The Inflation Reduction Act “will reduce the deficit over the long run by cutting wasteful spending on special interests, making big corporations pay their fair share and cracking down on wealthy tax cheats.”
— Michael Kikukawa, White House spokesman
Why this matters:
This development suggests a shift toward cleaner energy and reduced emissions, directly impacting air quality and public health. It also highlights a significant stride in national efforts to combat climate change, reflecting the broader global movement towards sustainable practices.
Be sure to read Douglas Fischer’s 2022 article explaining the Inflation Reduction Act.
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Tennessee is drafting its first-ever plan to cut climate pollution. The state wants your input
Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation is preparing its first-ever climate plan, which includes inventorying major climate pollution sources and drafting statewide pollution reduction strategies, funded by a $3 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Image by Benita Welter from Pixabay
EPA overrules Texas plan to reduce haze from air pollution at national parks
Inside Climate News reporter Martha Pskowski writes that critics call the state’s plan, which rejected a request to cut sulfur emissions at coal plants, a “do nothing” strategy. The EPA now wants six power plants to slash emissions by 80,000 tons.
In a nutshell:
Environmental groups, led by the National Parks Conservation Association, are urging state and federal regulators to address air pollution at national parks through the EPA's Regional Haze Rule. While Texas submitted an initial plan, it was deemed inadequate by the EPA, leading to proposed strategies including emission reductions from major coal plants. The debate continues over reducing pollution and protecting iconic parks in Texas, such as Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend.
Key quote:
“Everyone tells you to go outside and get some fresh air,” says Cristina Ramirez, a participant in the Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council. “But what happens when the places that you’re supposed to get outside are not really safe from the effects of air pollution?”
The big picture:
The burning of coal releases harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air, which can lead to respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. These pollutants also contribute to the formation of smog and haze, reducing visibility and exacerbating respiratory issues. In addition, coal-fired power plants emit toxic heavy metals like mercury, which can contaminate water bodies and enter the food chain, posing risks to neurological development and overall health.
Read the article at Inside Climate News.
Brian Bienkowski notes that swapping out coal energy for solar would prevent 52,000 premature deaths in the United States every year.
Photo by Zack Spear on Unsplash
Portland begins to check things off its 47-item action plan to slow climate change, report says
Portland’s multibureau climate action work plan is off to a slow but steady start and could meet most of its goals by the end of 2025, a new report says.
In reversal, Key Biscayne restarts plan to fight sea level rise
A $250 million plan to combat the effects of sea level rise is moving again in Key Biscayne after several Council members reversed course, abandoning opposition that had brought the project to a standstill since April.
Photo by Nishaan ahmed on Unsplash
UK risks shattering global standing by dumping £11.6bn climate pledge, ministers told
Rishi Sunak risks damaging trust in the UK among developing countries and reducing the country’s standing in negotiations, because of a failure to meet climate spending pledges, civil servants have told ministers.
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