Public News Service

Gas flaring has persisted from the beginning of oil production more than 160 years ago. (supakitmod/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

TX faith, environmental groups hopeful about new EPA methane rule

Oil and gas companies have until 2025 to reduce the emissions they release into the air through the practices known as venting and flaring. You may …

In addition to accelerating global warming, methane emissions can cause or exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. (Hihitetlin/Adobe Stock)

New EPA rule expected to affect Texas oil industry emissions

A new rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency could reduce the amount of methane escaping from equipment in Texas oil fields. Last …

A new poll by four environmental groups found a majority of Texas voters, 58% to 33%, want the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its proposal to eliminate emissions from routine flaring at oil wells. (Alexisaj/Adobestock)

Poll: Two-Thirds of Texas Voters Support Tougher EPA Methane Rules

As conservationists await finalization of revised rules governing methane on public lands, a new survey shows a majority of Texans support stronger …

Texas is a leading exporter of agricultural commodities, including peanuts. (maryviolet/AdobeStock)

Transitioning to Organics Made Easier for Texas Farmers

Texas farmers who want to transition some of their land from conventional crops to organics are getting help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

Soot is the most widespread and deadliest air pollutant in the United States and can lead to heart ailments, lung disease, asthma attacks and shortened lives. (Liubomir/Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rules for "Soot" Pollution Could Improve Air for Texans

Most Texans take breathing for granted - unless the air is polluted. It's a health issue the Biden administration hopes to mitigate through new …

Texas has produced more oil and natural gas than any other state, and remains the largest daily producer. (RobertCoy/Adobe Stock)

Texas Could Reduce Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Wells in 2023

As part of the U.S. energy transition, the Biden administration has made slashing methane emissions a priority, and supplemental federal rules aim to …

The City of Corpus Christi says seawater desalination plants would create a new water source with a low impact to ratepayers, but a lawsuit and the EPA could be obstacles to getting them built. (wikipedia)

Groups Charge Desalination Plants Are Wrong for Corpus Christi

A Texas environmental group is sounding the alarm about seawater desalination plants proposed for Corpus Christi Bay, warning they could have …

Methane released into the atmosphere is responsible for at least 25% of current global warming, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (permianmap.org)

Report: Oil-Field Flaring Emits More Methane than Previously Known

Ahead of revised methane regulations expected from the federal government, a new study shows that gas flaring in oil-producing states such as Texas …

The migratory monarch butterfly is known for its annual journey of up to 3,000 miles across the Americas. (Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy)

Habitat Loss, Climate Change Threaten Iconic Monarch Butterfly

An insect species which can evoke childhood memories is in trouble, and has just been added to the Red List of Threatened Species compiled by the …

Black communities bear disproportionate hardships of the environmental crisis, but have historically been left out of the environmental movement. (upstreamsolutions.org)

Environmentalists: Education, Empowerment Needed Post-Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations this month commemorated freedom, but Black and Brown people are still disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices …

Over the past five years, the U.S. has gone from exporting almost no liquefied natural gas (LNG), to exports being about 10% of total U.S. gas production, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. (Adobe Stock)

TX Group Makes Earth Day Plea for Cleaner Environment

It is Earth Day, and the Texas Campaign for the Environment is backing a movement targeting fossil-fuel exporters across the state. Texas is the …

A 2020 report by Greenpeace USA and Oil Change International found reinstating the crude-oil export ban could cut global carbon-dioxide emissions by as much as 181 million tons annually. (Adobe Stock)

“Sacrifice Zone:" Port Arthur in Path of Industrial Pollution

The latest American Cancer Society research estimates more than 139,000 Texans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2022. One of the "hot …

Galveston Bay will receive settlement funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to build oyster reefs made mostly from limestone, recycled oyster shells or concrete. (ancolek1998/Pixabay)

Deep Horizon Oil Spill Settlement Funds to Help Restore TX Oyster Reefs

HOUSTON -- Storm damage, pollution and other factors, some related to climate change, are reducing the oyster population, but settlement funds from …

In 2018, there were an estimated 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. (TheHilaryClark/Pixabay)

PFAS: A Plague for Humans, Especially Firefighters

DALLAS -- Lawmakers and regulators are increasingly mobilizing behind efforts to crack down on so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated a…

The latest report by the world's top climate scientists confirms less than a decade remains to dramatically cut greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil fuels to avoid catastrophic impacts, such as those inflicted by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. (andrewtheshrew/Pixabay)

Report: Media Complacent in Not Linking Extreme Weather, Climate Change

AUSTIN, Texas -- New research suggests the nation's most trusted news sources are dropping the ball when it comes to helping voters in Texas and …

An estimated 8% of Texas children, or about 541,000, suffer from asthma, according to the Texas Department of Health Services. (vitalrecordtamhsc.edu)

Congress on Track to Revive Oil, Gas Methane Emission Limits

AUSTIN, Texas -- Regulating methane emissions is seen as an important part of President Joe Biden's ambitious plans to address climate change…

Mortality rates are down, but cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in U.S. children ages 1-19. (unitypoint.org)

Kids' Advocates: It's Time to Prevent Childhood Cancer

AUSTIN, Texas -- Cancer is the leading cause of death among children, despite advances in treatment. David Levine, cofounder and president of the …

Among those who own General Motors vehicles, a new poll says 87% believe the company should support stronger pollution standards to protect the environment and improve gas mileage. (jirkaF/Pixabay)

Poll: GM Customers Oppose Clean-Car Standards Rollback

AUSTIN, Texas -- A new poll suggests that automakers would be wise to accelerate investments in clean-car technology if they value their customers -- …

Exposure to benzene, a carcinogen released at oil and gas refineries, can cause vomiting, headaches, anemia, increased risk of cancer and death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Patrick Hendry/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: TX Has More Than Half of U.S.' Worst Benzene Polluting Refineries

HOUSTON, Texas -- Ten U.S. oil refineries, including six in Texas, have released levels of cancer-causing benzene into nearby communities above …

A recent study by the Food and Drug Administration found that a quarter of all high school students used e-cigarettes in 2019, up five percentage points from last year. (Image Credit: https://www.ecigclick.co.uk/Wikimedia Commons)

Evidence Suggests E-Cigarettes Not Healthy Alternative

AUSTIN, Texas - In the wake of recent reports of fatal lung illness connected with the use of e-cigarettes, new research seems to confirm concerns …

Mercury pollution in the United States has declined by 80 percent since 2012. The neurotoxic heavy metal has been shown to disrupt fetal brain development. (PDTillman/Wikimedia Commons)

Texas Moms Testify to Keep Mercury Protections

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Mothers from 15 states including Texas traveled to the nation's capital this week to testify against moves by the …

In December, the Texas Municipal Power Association announced plans to shutter the Gibbons Creek coal-fired power plant indefinitely due to high operating costs. (Pmelton87/Wikimedia Commons)

Texas Cities Leading Transition to Renewables

GEORGETOWN, Texas – In 2018, Georgetown became the first city in Texas to get 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, and …

Methane emissions recently were found to be 60 percent higher than previous Environmental Protection Agency reports, at some 13 million metric tons a year, enough natural gas to fuel 10 million American homes. (US Army)

Trump's EPA Rolls Back Methane Emission Rules

AUSTIN, Texas – On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency's acting administrator, Andrew Wheeler, announced the agency will roll back …

Global water withdrawal for energy production constitutes 15 percent of the world�s total water consumption. (Pixnio)

Report: Fracking Stresses Texas Water Supplies

AMARILLO, Texas – The oil and gas industry's thirst for water – a critical component of hydraulic fracturing – has skyrocketed…

Environmental groups are concerned about the health of immigrant families being housed at detention centers on toxic-waste sites. (Louise Coghill/Flickr)

Groups say TX Military Detention Centers Riddled with Toxic Waste

AUSTIN, Texas – From the toxic stress of being separated from families, environmental and health advocates say they are now concerned about …

Misti O'Quinn of Dallas County says her children's asthma is exacerbated by nearby oil and gas infrastructure. (Moms Clean Air Force)

Health Impacts of Oil and Gas Pollution: Texas Mom Shares Her Story

Dallas — The Environmental Protection Agency and Interior Department are rolling back regulations for pollution from oil and gas facilities…

About 70 percent of parents and caregivers admit they've stored medications where children might reach them. (Getty Images)

Childproof Your Medicine Cabinet for Poison Prevention Week

GALVESTON, Texas — Every nine minutes in this country, a child under age six arrives at an emergency room because of accidental medication …

Natural gas wells are known to be sources of problematic air pollution and may be causing issues in developing fetuses. (Pixabay)

Study Links Emissions From Fracked Wells to Low Birthweight Babies

ODESSA, Texas – Pregnant women living next to fracked gas wells in Texas and elsewhere are more likely to have a low birth-weight baby - that's …

The Texas Regional Haze Plan is designed to protect the air quality in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and other areas of Texas from coal-fired power plant emissions. (Button/GettyImages)

Groups Sue EPA to Enforce Texas Regional Haze Plan

EL PASO, Texas – A coalition of conservation groups is taking the Environmental Protection Agency to court over changes to the Texas Regional …

$Ponds near oil rigs store wastewater from the fracking process, which is disposed of by injecting it back into the well. Some scientists believe this can cause earthquakes. (GettyImages)$

Evidence Grows of Link Between Fracking, Texas Earthquakes

DALLAS – A new study is adding fuel to the debate over whether recent earthquakes in Texas are caused by oil and gas operations or natural geolo…

A Monarch butterfly, newly emerged from its chrysalis, stretches its wings in preparation prepare for its annual migration from Mexico to Canada. (GettyImages)

Garden Network Aims to Preserve Endangered Butterflies and Bees

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – If you've ever watched the process of a caterpillar becoming a colorful Monarch butterfly, you'll likely appreciate the …

The latest Oil and Gas Threat Map identifies schools and child-care facilities located near oil and gas production operations. (Pixabay)

Oil-Rig Map Identifies Pollution Risks to Texas Children

SAN ANTONIO - As the Environmental Protection Agency backs away from limiting toxic emissions from oil and gas wells, Texas environmental groups are …

The EPA estimates that there are more than 8,000 new oil and gas operations close enough to Texas residents to negatively affect them with toxic methane emissions. (McNew/GettyImages)<br /><br />

Deadline Soon for Comments on EPA Methane-Regulations Rollback

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Texans have until midnight Wednesday to comment on the Environmental Protection Agency's plan to delay the start of new …

La EPA estima que hay m�s de 8 mil nuevas operaciones de petr�leo y gas suficientemente cercanas a los residentes de Texas como para afectarles negativamente con emisiones de metano t�xico. (McNew/GettyImages)

Se acaba el tiempo para comentar la suspensión de las Reglas del Metano

San Antonio, TX – Este miércoles (9 agosto) es el último día para enviar comentarios sobre el retraso de dos años para que …

Air quality monitors in Texas have indicated high ozone levels, indicating excessive emissions of methane and other toxic compounds from oil and gas wells. (EyeEm/GettyImages)

Court Ruling on Oilfield Methane Emissions has Big TX Implications

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Clean air advocates say it's a breath of fresh air for Texas - as a federal court blocks Trump Administration efforts to …

Los monitores de la calidad del aire en Texas han indicado altos niveles de ozono, lo que significa emisiones excesivas de metano y otros compuestos t�xicos provenientes de pozos de gas y petr�leo (EyeEm/GettyImages)

Decisión de la Corte sobre emisiones de metano en pozos, con grandes implicaciones para TX

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Una corte federal bloqueó un intento de detener la normatividad de la Era Obama que controla las emisiones de metano …

Report: Texas Faces Health Crisis from Toxic Oil, Gas Emissions

PLANO, Texas – Methane and other toxic byproducts from oil and gas exploration will, by 2025, make Texas the worst state in the nation for …

Un estudio reciente muestra que Medicaid juega un papel importante en la atenci�n de la salud en el medio rural, sobre todo para los ni�os. (PeopleImages/GettyImages)

Estudio: Medicaid, de creciente importancia para Texas rural

Austin, TX - Un reporte reciente confirma el papel vital que juega Medicaid en los pueblos de las áreas rurales de Texas y de todo el país…

Groups are asking a federal judge to force the EPA to investigate longstanding environmental complaints, including about an oil-refinery expansion in Beaumont. (TomasSereda/iStockphoto)

Groups Seek Long-Delayed Environmental Justice in EPA Case

BEAUMONT, Texas – Five nonprofit groups, including one in Texas, filed a motion in federal court this week to force the EPA to follow up on …

Conservation and health advocates warn that Congress is aiming to gut environmental regulations that protect Texas' air and water. (mshch/iStockphoto)

New Congress Moves to Gut Environmental Protections

HOUSTON – Public health and environmental groups warn that low-income Texans will be at greater risk for respiratory problems and heart disease …

A swimmer prepares to dive into the cold, clear water of the pool at Balmorhea State Park. (Texas Parks and Wildlife photo)

Environmentalists: Fracking Could Pollute Iconic Texas Park

ALPINE, Texas – Environmentalists are deeply concerned over plans by a Texas oil company to drill thousands of wells near iconic Balmorhea …

A new report says oil and gas operations on University of Texas System public lands are a major source of methane emissions. (bashta/iStockphoto)

Groups Call for U.T. System to Cut Methane Emissions on Public Lands

AUSTIN, Texas – Environmental groups, professors and students are demanding that the University of Texas System reduce methane emissions from …

Un nuevo reporte dice que las operaciones de petr�leo y gas en las tierras p�blicas de la Universidad de Texas, son una gran fuente de emisiones de gas metano. (bashta/iStockphoto)

Grupos Piden al U.T. System parar Emisiones de Metano en Tierras Públicas

AUSTIN, Texas – Un análisis del medio ambiente del oeste de Texas revela que las operaciones de gas y petróleo en tierras pú…

A new report says more than 144,000 Texas children will experience asthma attacks from oil and gas pollution by 2025. (RobHainer/iStockphoto)

Report Links Texas Oil and Gas Pollution to Asthma

AUSTIN, Texas - A new report said in the next decade, emissions from oil and gas operations will affect thousands of Texas children's health who live …

The EPA says that without action, airplanes will emit 43 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. (Pixabay)

EPA Says Aircraft Engines Emit Greenhouse Gases

AUSTIN, Texas - Greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft engines endanger public health and welfare, that's according to a new finding from the federal …

The new regulations will cover 300,000 miles of existing natural-gas transmission pipelines. (Pixabay)

Comments for New Gas Pipeline Regulations Close Today

AUSTIN, Texas - The public comment period ends today for a major overhaul of the nation's gas pipeline safety rules. The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous …

A new study finds that implementation of the Clean Power Plan could significantly lower Texans' energy bills over the next 15 years. (iStockphoto)

Clean Power Plan Would Cut Texans Energy Bills

AUSTIN, Texas – Without changes in the way electricity is produced and how it is used, a new study says Texans will likely see a 49 percent …

$Methane emissions from hydraulic fracturing operations contribute to climate change. (MajaPhoto/iStock)$

Report Lists Top 11 Companies for Methane Pollution

AUSTIN, Texas - Five regions of Texas, including the massive Permian Basin and the Gulf Coast Basin, are among the areas of the country experiencing …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - April 18, 2024

2024Talks - April 18, 2024

The Yonder Report - April 18, 2024

TX: Toxics