News
Houston’s New Residential Construction Code Favors Solar Energy
Posted on · The City Council recently approved it to facilitate the use of an alternative energy source that is plentiful in Texas.
Tag: Sierra Club
Houston Matters
What Are the Environmental Consequences to Houston’s High Ozone Levels?
Posted on · On Mondayâs program, we discussed how Greater Houston has long exceeded federal standards for ozone levels and is facing new, even tougher standards set forth in the Clean Air Act. That, according to the Greater Houston Partnership, may create circumstances that could prompt companies wanting to build new industrial plants to do so outside of the region. […]
Full Show
Ozone Standards Follow-up and Championship Quidditch: Thursday’s Show (August 25, 2016)
Posted on · Yeah. You’re looking at a Quidditch match above. More about that below. First, on Mondayâs program, we discussed how Greater Houston has long exceeded federal standards for ozone levels and is facing new, even tougher standards set forth in the Clean Air Act. That, according to the Greater Houston Partnership, may create circumstances that could prompt companies […]
Energy & Environment
ExxonMobil May Face Many Millions In Fines After Court Reverses Baytown Refinery Decision
Posted on · Environmental groups are claiming a victory in a battle with ExxonMobil over pollution from its refinery in Baytown.
Energy & Environment
Texas Has Thousands Of Bad Dams, Two In Houston Deemed ‘Extremely High Risk’
Posted on · As Houston Public Media reported last month, millions of dollars are being spent to repair two dams that hold back storm water on the west side of Houston. They are among over 7,000 dams listed as “hazardous” in Texas. But because so many people and structures would be at risk should these two dams fail, they’re getting attention.
News
Environmental Group May Have Overstated Power Plant Pollution
Posted on · A couple months ago, we told you about claims that a big, coal-burning power plant near Houston was releasing pollution beyond safety limits set by the government. Or was it?
Houston Matters
Is a Houston-Area Coal-Fired Power Plant Emitting Too Much of a Deadly Pollutant?
Posted on · It’s sort of overlooked here in Greater Houston amid a prominent oil and gas industry, but we do still have coal-fired power plants. And a recent report from the Sierra Club is singling out one such plant in Fort Bend County. Today, we talk with the Sierra Club’s Chrissy Mann. She’s the Senior Campaign Representative […]
Full Show
The Future of Coal and Our Aging Water Infrastructure: Monday’s Show (September 28, 2015)
Posted on · It’s sort of overlooked here in Greater Houston amid a prominent oil and gas industry, but we do still have coal-fired power plants. And a recent report from the Sierra Club is singling out one such plant in Fort Bend County. On today’s edition of Houston Matters, we talk with the Sierra Club about why […]
News
One Deadly Pollutant Persists In A Fast-Growing Houston Suburb
Posted on · In coming months, a lot of work will be done in the Houston area to detect one, particular chemical that’s polluting the air. It’s sulfur dioxide. It’s in the smoke that comes from burning coal.
Houston Matters
Should We Trust Texas Companies to Self-Report Industrial Accidents?
Posted on · While government authorities are tasked with investigating industrial accidents, those efforts, particularly here in Texas, are often triggered by industry âself-reporting.â But how does that work exactly? And how far do we defer to and trust companies to report accidents? We talk about the concept of industry self-reporting, consider some recent examples, and welcome your thoughts […]
Full Show
Self-Reporting, Silver Alerts, and Symphony Broadcast Preview: Houston Matters for Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2014
Posted on · While government authorities are tasked with investigating industrial accidents, those efforts, particularly here in Texas, are often triggered by industry “self-reporting.” But how does that work exactly? And how far do we defer to and trust companies to report accidents? On this edition of Houston Matters, we talk about the concept of industry self-reporting, and consider […]
Houston Matters
Could the So-Called ‘Ike Dike’ Come to Fruition?
Posted on · It’s by no means a new idea. But the recently formed Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance is trying to move the coastal barrier idea forward. So, we find out why, and hear the case for what is popularly-known as the “Ike Dike” to protect Galveston Bay communities from storm surge brought by the next great tropical storm or […]
Houston Matters
How Should Erosion Be Stopped Along Buffalo Bayou?
Posted on · Houston residents have until June 30 to submit public comments on a controversial plan to eliminate vegetation and trees along the banks of a 1.5-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou running from the southeast corner of Memorial Park to the eastern edge of River Oaks Country Club. The plan, put forth by the Harris County Flood […]
Full Show
Air Quality, Vision Care, and Galveston’s Sacred Places: Houston Matters for Thurs., Feb. 6, 2014
Posted on · For years, the state of Texas and the federal Environmental Protection Agency have clashed over regulations covering major air pollution sources, like refineries. Now, that longstanding legal dispute may be giving way – somewhat. Last week, Texas and the EPA reached a deal on portions of the state’s clean air plan, concerning the state’s “flexible […]