Credit: wajell/BigStock Photo ID: 287456938

Wildfires rage through Texas, affecting homes and halting nuclear facility operations

Texas firefighters worked feverishly to contain fast-moving wildfires driven by unseasonably dry conditions and persistent red flag winds in the Texas Panhandle.

Jim Vertuno reports for the Associated Press.

In short:

Wildfires, fueled by strong winds and warm temperatures, have caused evacuations and power outages in the Texas Panhandle.
The Pantex Plant, a key U.S. nuclear weapons facility, temporarily ceased operations due to the fires.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties as efforts to contain the blazes continue.

Key quote:

"Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe."

— Texas governor Greg Abbott

Why this matters:

Wildfires are erupting with increasing frequency and intensity as a consequence of climate change, posing significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. A changing climate and freakish weather are driving a growing need for a culture of warning and safety.

www.ehn.org

Wildfires rage through Texas, affecting homes and halting nuclear facility operations

China ramps up solar and wind power as clean energy output shatters global records

Melting ice and microplastics signal deepening disruption in Antarctica’s climate system

New technologies promise to transform farming, but most haven’t delivered yet

New rules to protect U.S. workers from extreme heat face political delays

California struggles to electrify trucks as Trump administration blocks state rules

The hidden cost of powering your phone might be someone else’s cancer

Toxic mine runoff cleanup revives West Virginia waterways and extracts rare earth elements

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.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

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

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.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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