The Latest Breaking News from TCEQ

Following Internal Review of Texas Environmental Regulators, Critics Demand Reform

Watchdogs call for creation of an environmental justice office, better monitoring of Clean Air Act violations.

Capital & Main · May 2, 2023

Internal Review of Texas Environmental Regulators Finds ‘Distrust and Confusion’

Critics call for removal of state agency’s economic mandate.

Capital & Main · May 1, 2023

Toxic benzene lingered for weeks after shelter-in-place warnings ended following 2019 Houston-area chemical fire

The Texas Tribune analyzed previously unreported air monitoring data and records from the 2019 ITC chemical disaster near Houston and found that high benzene levels lingered in the air for two weeks after public health measures were lifted. Experts say more shelter-in-place advisories should have been issued.

The Texas Tribune · Apr 27, 2023

Environmental group says Texas fails to hold repeat polluters accountable for unexpected emissions

A new report found that companies in Texas have had 21,000 unexpected pollution releases that emitted 400,000 tons of air pollution over six years, but only 1% of them prompted action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The Texas Tribune · Mar 23, 2023

The EPA wants to limit how much soot you breathe. Here’s what it means for Texas and one of its historic Black towns.

Federal limits on particulate matter commonly known as soot could mean cleaner, safer air for Texans. But environmental experts worry Texas may snub rules.

The Texas Tribune · Mar 21, 2023

Breaking the Brazos

Pollution and development are straining the mighty river that Spanish explorers once called "the Arms of God."

Texas Observer · Feb 8, 2023

Environmental advocates push feds to investigate Texas’ enforcement of water quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to investigate allegations that the state is failing to enforce the Clean Water Act. Environmentalists say the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s system of issuing permits has made it too easy for industries to contaminate rivers, lakes and estuaries.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 1, 2023

Texas environmentalists push the EPA to crack down on methane emissions, saying state agencies have “failed us”

Commenting on the EPA’s proposed new rule to reduce methane leaks nationally, environmentalists said Texas regulators are hesitant to address emissions of the climate super-pollutant.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 25, 2023

EPA moves away from Permian Basin air pollution crackdown

The oil industry pushed hard against the proposal to issue an ozone nonattainment designation, which would have required that companies reduce oilfield emissions.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 13, 2023

EPA Backs Down from Permian Air Pollution Crackdown

Oil sector advocates pushed hard against an ozone nonattainment designation, which would have required oilfield emissions reductions.

Texas Observer · Jan 13, 2023