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.)

Energy & Environment

As Harvey Repairs Continue, Bayou Partnership Considers The Future Of Houston Greenspaces

Posted on September 22, 2017 · The Buffalo Bayou Partnership says Harvey shows the need for more flood-smart green spaces.

Hurricane Harvey

Investigations Into Arkema Plant Fires Underway After Harvey

Posted on September 22, 2017 · State and federal agencies are looking into the fires.

News

Harvey Contributes to First U.S. Industrial Drop in Months

Posted on September 18, 2017 · Harvey had at one point impacted almost 30% of the nation's total refining capacity.

News

Experts See Common Ground Between Offshore Oil And Wind Industries

Posted on September 18, 2017 · Wind developers tap the expertise of the oil industry to build offshore platforms.

Hurricane Harvey

Harvey-Damaged Water Systems To Receive Emergency Aid from Loan Program

Posted on September 13, 2017 · "Our hope was to give those folks an opportunity and resources to get the work started right away."

Energy & Environment

Harris County Commissioners Approve Funding For New Stormwater Basins

Posted on September 12, 2017 · Much of the money will help build new ponds to hold stormwater along Houston-area bayous.

Hurricane Harvey

Their Homes Still Flooded, Some Houston Residents Hope For A Buyout

Posted on September 5, 2017 · One resident says his neighbors felt "shocked" and "completely cheated" as water from the reservoirs flooded their homes.

Energy & Environment

Houston’s Heavy Industry Gears Up For Harvey

Posted on August 24, 2017 · Refineries say they’re closely watching the forecast.

News

Mining Giant’s Exit From Oil Business Will Hit Houston

Posted on August 22, 2017 · "There is a definite risk to their entire Houston-based business," says a local energy analyst.

Energy & Environment

Houston’s Major Power Company Wants Electric Market Reforms

Posted on August 17, 2017 · A Texas public utility commissioner describes the discussion as one about "improvements, enhancements and increased efficiency."

Energy & Environment

Coastal Residents Sue Plastics Plant on Water Pollution Claim

Posted on August 16, 2017 · State regulators have linked the plant to plastic pellets in nearby waters and are currently considering an enforcement action. But residents are suing in federal court, hoping for what would be, if they win, an unusually large fine.

Energy & Environment

Report Explores “Radical” Low-Carbon Energy Scenario

Posted on August 10, 2017 · The envisioned "radical" future still includes plenty of oil and gas.

Energy & Environment

Houston Activists Question Whether Superfund Site Was Thoroughly Cleaned Up

Posted on August 10, 2017 · Under Administrator Scott Pruitt, the EPA is looking for ways to encourage private investment and redevelopment plans for Superfund sites, an approach some environmental activists aren't thrilled about.

Energy & Environment

Galveston Bay’s Health Has Improved, But Still Faces Challenges

Posted on August 9, 2017 · A new "report card" gives the bay a "C" grade.

Energy & Environment

Coastal Planners Gather to Talk Hurricane Preparedness

Posted on August 4, 2017 · Planning and storm forecasting might be getting more sophisticated, but some say it’s still not enough.