Texas firms plan to release treated wastewater into the Pecos River

Texas companies are looking to discharge oilfield wastewater into the Pecos River watershed, raising environmental concerns.

Martha Pskowski and Dylan Baddour report for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Texas is increasing permits for oilfield wastewater discharges due to concerns about earthquake risks from underground disposal.
  • Environmentalists and scientists question the safety of this practice, noting the potential for pollution from toxic and radioactive substances in the water.
  • The state is under pressure to develop new water quality standards that address the unique contaminants found in oilfield wastewater.

Key quote:

“Let’s make sure that, as they develop their plans, they keep the best interest of the river in mind and not just some nebulous idea that it’s a place to dump water anytime you want to.”

— Ira Yates, founder of Friends of the Pecos

Why this matters:

Discharging treated oilfield wastewater into rivers like the Pecos could impact water quality and ecosystem health, posing risks to wildlife and potentially human health. Health implications loom large for communities downstream who rely on the river for drinking water, recreation, and agriculture. There’s a palpable fear that despite the best treatment efforts, unknown risks may compromise the quality of life for those who have long depended on the purity of the river.

Learn more: After a decade of research, here’s what scientists know about the health impacts of fracking.

A view of a brick rooftop in with green fields and electric towers in the background

Pakistanis adopting solar power, drawn by low solar panel prices

Conventionally generated electricity in Pakistan has become very expensive, but consumers don’t have to buy it. They are adopting solar panels.
A row of solar panels against a snowy background

Utah clean energy advocates urge PacifiCorp to fast-track renewables for major cost savings

Utah Clean Energy is asking state regulators to direct PacifiCorp to speed up development of solar, wind, and storage projects, arguing that early action could save ratepayers billions through federal tax credits.

A row of solar panels in a farm field

As federal backing wanes, states turn to community agrivoltaics to keep farms solar-powered

The Trump administration’s move to scale back support for on-farm solar threatens farmers’ access to grants and loans, but many states and farm groups are turning to community solar and agrivoltaics as resilient alternatives.

An aerial view of a cleared area of a forest

Texas refinery’s ‘green’ jet fuel linked to Amazon deforestation

A Texas biofuel plant supplying major U.S. airlines with “sustainable” jet fuel has been sourcing cattle fat tied to ranches on illegally deforested Amazon land, raising questions about the true climate impact of the industry’s green fuel push.

An old oil pump jack in a dry field

New Mexico’s billion-dollar oilfield orphans

A recent report warns that bankrupt oil companies could leave New Mexico with up to $1.6 billion in cleanup costs, as orphaned wells and leaking tank batteries pile up.

A small home with boarded windows and flood-damaged personal effects piled on the sidewalk
Credit: gwillydeluxe/Big Stock Photo

Trump’s killing of climate grants has recipients second-guessing federal help

"The risk is way too high and the effort is way too large," said one environmental group founder about federal grants.
People watching remotely Montana youth climate lawsuit
Photo Credit: Douglas Fischer

Young climate activists who won landmark trial are challenging Trump's energy orders

Young climate activists and their attorneys who won a landmark global warming trial against the state of Montana are challenging President Donald Trump's energy agenda.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.