Director's Message
We would like to know what you think about the tradeoffs between companies exporting oil and gas to make more profit versus irreparable harm to the land and climate. Use this link to share your opinion, then scroll down this newsletter to our top story and take action!
Pipeline Billionaire Kelcy Warren Should Not Be On Parks & Wildlife
The task of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission is to protect and preserve many of these most treasured natural areas, but how can that happen when Governor Abbott appoints the likes of pipeline billionaire Kelcy Warren, CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, to the Commission?
Now Warren’s friends in big oil & gas are coming after one of Texas’s most pristine natural areas: the springs and land around Balmorhea. It’s time to speak out against the destruction and corruption of our lands, water, air, and democracy.
I was fortunate to peel away from the office to attend SXSW Eco this month. Having never been to one before, I found it to be an inspiring celebration of innovation that showed that the energy revolution has the most talented, intelligent, and optimistic people on its side. Keynote addresses from Bill Nye, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and Michael Ford and Bryan Lee Jr were awe-inspiring. Some of the displays in the exhibit area, however, were a bit more disappointing.
Check out our praises and (light) critique of SXSW Eco 2016.
Will The Railroad Commission Get Off Again? Clock Is Ticking On Any Change
The Railroad Commission of Texas needs much more than a name change and you can help us get it. The chances to change things are already running out even though the Legislature hasn’t even started. Decisions are being made right now.
Please take this action if you haven't done so already and let the Sunset Commission know you support fundamental changes in the way Texas regulates oil and gas.
Too Big To Retire: The Challenge of Closing Old Power Plants
When should I retire? It’s a question a lot of people start asking themselves as they age. It’s also a question many owners of old power plants are asking themselves as newer, cleaner, and more affordable power comes online in Texas, and as new environmental standards take effect. But just like the personal decision to hang up your spurs, retiring is not always the owner’s decision to make. Or is it?
Mannchen: Hurricanes, Storm Surge, and “Living By the Rules of the Sea” on Galveston Bay
Galveston Bay is one of the most important ecological areas in Texas. This 31x17 mile estuary is highly productive for shellfish (oysters and shrimp) and fin fish (Spotted Sea Trout and Red Drum); has many recreational and tourist attractions (Clear Lake Area and Galveston Island); and is economic home to many oil, natural gas, pipeline, and petrochemical companies and facilities.
Living near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico shorelines is exciting but has pitfalls. Too many people live in floodplains and storm surge zones. This results in property damage, injury, and death. There are ways to live in harmony with Galveston Bay, the Gulf, and avoid many of the impacts of hurricanes and storms. We have the information and technology to make sensible decisions about development on our hurricane-prone coast. The question is, do we have the political courage, foresight, and will?
Regional Roundup
- Three weeks after Texas Parks and Wildlife park officials "said they had 'no evidence to indicate concern' about Apache Corp.’s plans to drill oil and gas wells on 350,000 acres surrounding Balmorhea Springs and canals", they are now saying that they haven't studied the potential impact at all...
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is once again attempting to subvert local control and screw the environment in the process by suing the City of Brownsville for their plastic bag fee. Is it a coincidence that plastic bags are made from petroleum and gas byproduct?
- How does a motley band of country people in a forgotten corner of Texas defend itself against an industry that has, like the 2.6 million miles of pipelines webbed through the American countryside, woven itself into the very heart of our political system? Check out this truly brilliant piece on a Texas fight for American values.
- The City of Dripping Springs wants to discharge 995,000 gallons of treated sewage (per day!) into Onion Creek, which is the source of 40% of Barton Springs' flow. We need your help to stop make sure that doesn't happen.
- This month, 20,000 gallons of fuel spilled after a barge hit a South Texas dock. Now, imagine if this had been an LNG tanker.
- Texas Congressman Lamar Smith continues to bring our state shame with his interference in the ExxonMobil climate change probe.