texas
Newsletter
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A study uncovers dangerous hydrogen sulfide emissions in Central Texas oilfields
Researchers have found hazardous levels of hydrogen sulfide gas being vented from aging oil wells in Caldwell County, Texas, potentially endangering residents and workers.
In short:
- Hydrogen sulfide readings at multiple oil wells in Caldwell County were over 100 parts per million, levels dangerous to human health.
- The wells, many of which are inactive, continue to vent toxic gas, with some located near public roads and homes.
- Texas regulators have not acted to address these emissions, and local residents remain exposed to potential health risks.
Key quote:
“These wells are so close to so many people. And they are emitting a hazardous substance that could be affecting so many people.”
— Amy Townsend-Small, environmental scientist
Why this matters:
Chronic exposure to low-level hydrogen sulfide can cause serious health effects, including respiratory and neurological issues. The lack of regulatory oversight increases the risks for nearby communities.
Related: Toxic air lingers in Texas Latino community, revealing failures in state’s air monitoring system
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Houston faces growing threats from hurricanes and heat waves, experts warn
As climate change drives more severe weather, Houston remains unprepared for the deadly combination of power outages and extreme heat following hurricanes.
By Niko Kommenda, Shannon Osaka and Simon Ducroquet report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Tropical Storm Beryl left two-thirds of Houston homes without power, with some outages lasting over a week, compounding the heat-related risks.
- Experts predict future blackouts and heat waves will claim more lives as cities like Houston have aging power grids, vulnerable infrastructure and little preparation.
- Hospitals and critical services were overwhelmed as residents, especially those dependent on electricity for medical devices, struggled to survive.
Key quote:
“I think it’s an absolute certainty that we will have an extreme heat wave and an extended blackout in the United States.”
— Brian Stone, professor and director of the Urban Climate Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology
Why this matters:
Houston’s vulnerability to hurricanes and heat waves is worsened by its aging infrastructure. As climate change intensifies, prolonged power outages during heat waves could turn deadly, with cities needing better preparation to protect their populations.
Related:
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Texas prisons suffer with heat amid staffing shortages
Staff shortages in Texas prisons are leaving inmates without proper access to cold showers, respite, and water during extreme summer heat, sparking a lawsuit over unsafe conditions.
In short:
- Texas prisons face a 24% shortage in correctional officers, hampering efforts to mitigate extreme heat.
- Inmates often struggle to access promised respite areas, water, and cold showers due to the lack of staff.
- A pending lawsuit could require Texas to install air conditioning in all prisons, potentially costing over $1 billion.
Key quote:
“There’s no amount of respite rooms, ice water and cold showers that can keep people safe from triple digit temperatures.”
— Erica Grossman, attorney representing prison advocacy groups
Why this matters:
Texas prisons routinely face dangerous heat levels, putting the health of inmates and staff at risk. Staff shortages exacerbate this issue, raising concerns about humane treatment and potential legal repercussions.
Related:
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FERC faces legal challenge over Louisiana LNG terminal approval
Environmental and local groups have petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals to block the construction of a massive liquefied natural gas export facility in Louisiana, arguing that FERC failed to consider environmental justice and climate impacts.
In short:
- Opponents argue that FERC’s approval of the CP2 LNG facility ignored its potential to increase greenhouse gas emissions and harm local communities.
- The petitioners include environmental groups and commercial fishers concerned about air pollution and disruption of fishing areas.
- A recent court decision against FERC in Texas may influence the outcome of this case.
Key quote:
“FERC made a terrible and unjust decision when they approved CP2, but it’s not too late for the court — or even the Commission — to right this wrong.”
— Travis Dardar, founder of Fishermen Involved in Sustaining our Heritage.
Why this matters:
The LNG facility could significantly worsen air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Local fishers also fear the project will damage their livelihoods by further degrading fishing grounds already affected by existing LNG terminals.
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Texas debates over new oil and gas waste rule heat up
Texas is considering its first major revision of oil and gas waste management rules in 40 years, but environmentalists and industry leaders disagree over the new regulations.
In short:
- Texas' revised rule aims to improve waste disposal from oil and gas drilling, including the handling of toxic byproducts like produced water and drilling mud.
- Environmental groups argue the rule doesn't do enough to protect groundwater, while the industry says stricter measures could be too expensive for smaller companies.
- The public has until September 30 to comment on the proposal, with hearings scheduled this week.
Key quote:
“This is a massive overhaul of extremely important groundwater protection rules.”
— Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift
Why this matters:
Texas generates billions of gallons of oilfield waste annually, some of which poses a risk to groundwater. Updated regulations could strengthen protections or lead to more conflicts between environmentalists and the energy industry.
Related:
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Texas boosts oil-friendly courts to safeguard industry interests
On September 1, Texas will open new business courts, heavily influenced by Big Oil, with judges handpicked by Governor Greg Abbott, many of whom have deep ties to the fossil fuel industry.
In short:
- Texas’ new business courts will handle corporate cases, with judges selected by Governor Abbott, many of whom have histories defending fossil fuel companies.
- The courts, designed with little oversight, have been criticized for favoring industry interests, particularly in environmental cases.
- Environmental cases previously heard by more liberal courts will now be overseen by these conservative, industry-friendly judges.
Key quote:
“Greg Abbott created a boutique court for corporations where he, not the voters, gets to pick the judges.”
— Adrian Shelley, director of Public Citizen Texas.
Why this matters:
This move is a direct strike at environmental and public health advocacy. In a state where fossil fuel dominance is already crushing the push for green energy and stricter regulations, this court is poised to silence dissenting voices even further. Read more: ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters.
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Chevron’s headquarters relocation to Houston raises pollution concerns in Latino communities
Chevron’s move from California to Houston has heightened fears of increased air pollution, especially in Houston’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods, where pollution-related health issues are already prevalent.
In short:
- Chevron relocated its headquarters to Houston following a California lawsuit over climate change deception.
- Local activists fear lax regulations in Texas will exacerbate air pollution, impacting vulnerable communities.
- Houston’s Latino neighborhoods already face some of the nation’s worst air quality, with pollution linked to serious health issues.
Key quote:
"Chevron already has a history of breaking the law in Texas. It is not surprising that it's deciding to move its headquarters to Texas since the state's regulations and their enforcement are much more lax than they are in California"
— Erandi Treviño, Houston environmental activist
Why this matters:
Some residents fear Chevron’s move to Houston could worsen air quality in areas already suffering from pollution, intensifying health risks for Latino communities with limited resources to address these challenges.
Read more: ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters: Report
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