Southwest (AZ NM OK TX)

Toxic Benzene Plagued Channelview, Tex. Regulators Never Told Residents.

"The highest levels exceed even Texas’ benzene guideline — the weakest in the nation — but aren’t being recorded by a state monitor. That means the community’s cancer risk could be higher than previously thought."

Source: Public Health Watch, 01/02/2025

Groups Sue TCEQ For Allowing SpaceX To Discharge Water Without A Permit

"Rio Grande Valley groups are suing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, accusing the agency of bypassing state regulations by allowing SpaceX to temporarily discharge industrial water at its South Texas launch site without a proper permit."

Source: Texas Tribune, 12/19/2024

"Earthquakes And Blowouts Undermine Case For Carbon Storage In Texas"

"Texas has seen surging interest from companies hoping to bury carbon dioxide in its oilfields, putting the state at the vanguard of a government-subsidized program to fight climate change. But pumping CO2 into the ground could exacerbate earthquakes and well blowouts already happening in the Permian Basin as Texas struggles to manage wastewater disposal, potentially undermining public support."

Source: Reuters, 12/16/2024

"Arizona AG Sues Saudi Firm Over ‘Excessive’ Groundwater Pumping"

"Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Wednesday she’s suing a Saudi Arabian agribusiness for allegedly violating a public nuisance law, contending that its groundwater pumping threatens the public health, safety and infrastructure of local communities in a rural western county."

Source: AP, 12/12/2024

#SEJ2025 Annual Conference, Arizona, April 23-26

Join us for SEJ's 34th annual conference, hosted at Arizona State University! The devastation of wildfires in Los Angeles is a stark reminder of the urgency of this moment for environmental journalism. As extreme weather and natural disasters grow in frequency and magnitude, a shift in the political climate adds another layer of complexity to covering these issues. Now more than ever, our collective mission to uncover and share critical and empirical truths about science, energy, policy, health impacts and equity is vital. Online registration is closed. Registration will open on-site in Tempe.

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Texas Reaches $12.6 Million Settlement On 2019 Port Neches Chemical Blast

"Texas reached a $12.6 million settlement with TPC Group over environmental violations related to the November 2019 explosions at the company’s Port Neches chemical plant, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Friday."

Source: Texas Tribune, 11/26/2024
November 25, 2024

DEADLINE: The Water Desk's Rio Grande Journalist Training & Workshop

To equip journalists to better understand the river's history, its current legal cases and future challenges, The Water Desk is hosting an expenses-paid training program for journalists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jan 29-31, 2025. Story coverage funding available post-training. Apply by Nov 25.

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