Travis Bubenik

Energy & Environment Reporter

Travis Bubenik reports on the tangled intersections of energy and the environment in Houston and across Texas. A Houston native and proud Longhorn, he returned to the Bayou City after serving as the Morning Edition Host & Reporter for Marfa Public Radio in Far West Texas. Bubenik was previously the News Director for NPR member station KVNF in rural Western Colorado, where he reported on local environmental and economic issues. Outside of work, Bubenik enjoys listening to what may be considered unhealthy amounts of Neil Young, and hanging with his lovely desert dog Valentine (named after the West Texas town.)

News

Houston Study Sheds Light On Drug-Resistant Bacteria Problem

Posted on July 24, 2017 · Research at a local hospital shows how certain bacteria are "constantly evolving and changing."

Energy & Environment

Environmental Group Sues EPA Over Houston-Area Pollution Permits

Posted on July 20, 2017 · It's an effort to force the agency to respond to objections about various air permits.

Energy & Environment

Bill Delaying New Ozone Standards Moves Forward In Congress

Posted on July 19, 2017 · One local environmental group calls the bill an "excuse on the part of industry" to not address air quality problems more aggressively.

News

Despite Administration’s Push, Oil Companies Might Not Be Eager for New Offshore Drilling

Posted on July 17, 2017 · An Interior Department official recently testified about how the administration views "energy dominance" when it comes to offshore drilling.

Energy & Environment

Environmental Groups Hopeful After Methane Rule Win

Posted on July 12, 2017 · One Houston group calls a recent federal appeals court ruling "promising."

Energy & Environment

Report Finds “Mixed Results” From Electric Market Deregulation

Posted on July 11, 2017 · The Texas Coalition for Affordable Power describes it as a "good news/bad news" report.

Energy & Environment

Brays Bayou Flood Control Project Moves Forward

Posted on July 10, 2017 · A water diversion system along Willow Waterhole is part of a broader $480 million effort.

News

Effort to Remove Obstacle for Cross-Border Pipelines Moves Forward

Posted on July 5, 2017 · The measure would leave authority over these projects in the hands of federal agencies.

Energy & Environment

West Texas Transmission Line Project Takes A Step Forward

Posted on July 3, 2017 · The project calls for new high-voltage lines across five sparsely-populated counties near the New Mexico border.

Energy & Environment

This Hurricane Season, New Maps Highlight Threats From Heavy Winds

Posted on June 26, 2017 · The maps show the “earliest reasonable arrival time” of tropical storm-force winds.

Energy & Environment

After Review Of Shale Drilling Science, Researchers Want To Learn More

Posted on June 26, 2017 · Industry expansion into new parts of Far West Texas could be an opportunity for baseline land impact studies.

News

Houston Is Sticking With The Paris Climate Deal, But How Much Can It Really Accomplish?

Posted on June 25, 2017 · "We have to work within our jurisdiction, and unfortunately, air pollution doesn’t care about city limits."

News

Relocated Exxon-Mobil Jobs Could Impact Woodlands Housing Market

Posted on June 19, 2017 · One real estate researcher says while Texas has plenty of higher-end homes on the market, lower-end homes are harder to come by.

Energy & Environment

Texas Helps U.S. Set Wind And Solar Record

Posted on June 15, 2017 · Texas leads the nation in combined wind and solar power generation.

Energy & Environment

Environmental Group Outlines Cleanup Plan For Galveston Bay

Posted on June 13, 2017 · Plans include learning more about troubled septic systems and raising public awareness of the problem.