news for houston
Cape Cod Community To Vote On Status Of Wind Turbines
In the Cape Cod community of Falmouth, voters will decide if two, town-owned wind turbines will be taken down. Dozens have complained of headaches, insomnia and other issues since the first turbine started spinning in 2010.
First U.S. Company To Enter Export Market For Natural Gas
With supplies high and prices at historic lows, there's debate whether U.S. companies should be allowed to export the gas overseas for a higher price. Many energy companies have applied for government approval to ship liquefied natural gas worldwide. So far, only one company has gotten a license to do that in the past 30 years..
Huge Boost In U.S. Oil Output Set To Transform Global Market
The International Energy Agency says U.S. shale output and petroleum from Canada's tar sands are transforming global energy markets.
India, China Could Soon Demand More Oil Than U.S. And Europe
The United States has emerged as the star performer on the global oil scene, according to the latest oil outlook from the International Energy Agency. Oil production from the United States grew at a record pace last year for a non-OPEC nations. Meanwhile, emerging economies have become the big oil buyers.
Shell Digs Deep To Tap Into Lucrative Oil, Gas Reserves
Royal Dutch Shell is pushing ahead with plans for the world's deepest offshore oil and gas production facility. It will be nearly two miles beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Louisiana. It is testing the bounds of the oil and gas industry's capability to drill ever deeper.
Impossible Choice Faces America's First 'Climate Refugees'
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the tiny town of Newtok, Alaska, could be completely underwater by 2017. Its 350 residents must relocate or stay to face the floods, but a move is easier said than done.
Afghan Mineral Treasures Stay Buried, Hostages To Uncertainty
Afghanistan is believed to be home to world-class mineral deposits, valued at up to $3 trillion and offering hope for the country's economic future. But in the current environment of uncertainty, investors are nervous and it could be many years before Afghanistan strikes pay dirt.
Not Your Grandpa's RV: This Roving Lab Tracks Air Pollution
Atmospheric scientist Ira Leifer installed special air sensors on a camper, then drove from Florida to California, measuring methane levels all along the way. More than 6,000 readings later, he found some noticeable spikes, especially around petrochemical plants and urban areas like Los Angeles.
Scientists Agree On Climate Change, Why Doesn't The Public?
A new study confirms that the vast majority of scientists who research the climate accept that the planet is warming and human beings are largely responsible. Yet a large slice of the American public believes that scientists are deeply split about global warming.
How Can You Give A Community Better Health?
Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. He hopes to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys."
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What Sparked The Explosion In West Undetermined
State and federal officials investigating the explosion at West Fertilizer say the cause is undetermined. Fifteen died and much of a 37-block area was demolished.
West Plant Blast Focus of Criminal Investigation
The Texas Rangers and the McLennan County sheriff's office are launching a criminal investigation into the fertilizer plant explosion last month in West.
More Than Their Fair Share? Texas County Questions Frack Water Disposal Wells
It's a nice surprise: so much oil and natural gas is now being produced here in Texas and other states that our dependence on foreign sources is dropping. While what's coming out of the ground may be great for the nation, there's concern about how to put a by-product of the drilling back into the ground. StateImpact's Dave Fehling reports from South Texas.
Governors Of The Gulf Coast Want State Control Of Offshore Drilling Permits
Texas Gov. Rick Perry says the federal government can do more to help stimulate offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. At the Offshore Technology Conference here in Houston, Perry along with other Gulf state governors, says offshore drilling is still slower than it used to be before the Deepwater Horizon accident.
As OTC Kicks Off, BP Gulf Disaster Still Sets Conference Agenda
One of the biggest energy industry gatherings kicks-off this morning in Houston: the Offshore Technology Conference — better known as OTC. It'll feature the latest equipment to drill under the ocean for oil and gas. Many sessions will focus on what has changed since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon tragedy. Industry-wide, the industry spotlight has been on land and the drilling technique called "fracking." Reporter Dave Fehling talked with the chairman of the OTC, Steve Balint.
Environmental Groups Sue To Compel EPA To Recalculate VOCs Emission Formula
Community groups in Texas and Louisiana have filed a lawsuit to compel the Environmental Protection Agency to review formulas used to report the levels of toxic emissions from refineries and chemical plants.
Water Plan Funding Bill Sinks In Texas House
It was possibly the most high profile piece of legislation at the capital this session. House Bill 11 was a plan to pull $2 Billion from the states rainy day fund, to fund water projects in Texas for the next 50 years. It had the backing of the governor, the state's business community, and many environmental groups. But last night it could not muster the votes to gain approval in the Texas House of Representatives.
Cash for Road Repair in Shale Areas Proves Elusive
Efforts by state lawmakers to find money to repair South and West Texas roads torn up amid a drilling boom appear to be stalling, according to some officials working on the matter. Officials say that vehicular accidents in these regions are on the rise and that natural gas production could be threatened if the issue isn't addressed.
Obama Honors Families At Memorial For West Explosion Victims
At a memorial service on Thursday, President Obama and Texas officials honored those who were injured or died in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion. "Today our prayers are with the families of all who we've lost — the proud sons and daughters of West whose memories will live on in our hearts,” President Obama said.
Limiting Environmental Enforcement Raises Fears Of 'Race To The Bottom'
It's been called the "Texas miracle" — the way the state has created more jobs than any other. Texas has attracted new businesses — in part through financial and tax incentives, and by promising less regulation. But some economists warn that while that approach may be working for now, the Texas "business-friendly" attitude may cost the state in the environment.
Houston Neighborhoods Are Unique Study Case For Air Pollution
An air pollution mobile lab will soon roam the streets of Houston — looking for concentrations of particulate matter.
Despite Improvements, Houston Still Has Some Of The Dirtiest Air In The Country
A new report from the American Lung Association says Houston's air is getting cleaner, but the city still has some of the most polluted air in the country.
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