Four large wildfires have broken out in Central Texas in about the last week. It’s part of a bad year for Texas fires, and climate researchers say the uptick in fires bears the fingerprints of global warming. Statewide, it started early in the Panhandle – then the fires crept south and east into Central Texas. “Resources […]
Mose Buchele, KUT
Posted inAustin
Will Austin stores restock single-use plastic bags now that the city’s ban is lifted?
The city of Austin says it will end a ban on free single-use plastic bags at stores and restaurants. It’s a response to a state Supreme Court ruling against a similar ban in Laredo. But repealing the ordinance, commonly known as the “bag ban,” might not mean every store will start handing them out again. […]
Posted inAISD
New data show lead in drinking water at five more Austin schools
Lead has been found in the drinking water of five Austin public schools, new data obtained by Environment Texas from the Austin Independent School District shows. It’s the second time in the past year the toxic metal has been discovered in AISD schools and facilities. The tests revealed lead at levels considered especially unsafe by […]
Posted inParks
Section of Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail suffers massive storm damage
Jessica Zarowitz was in for a surprise while walking her dog, Lady Bird, along the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail on Monday: The trail that had been there for years suddenly wasn’t. Trees had fallen over it, and the pavement had buckled and slid into the creek in places. “Maybe this is the universe […]
Posted inTransportation
Are electric scooters eco-friendly? It depends on what they’re replacing
When electric scooters flooded into Austin, the companies that rent them touted their environmental benefits: “Riders were able to prevent 445,334 pounds of carbon emissions,” a press release from Bird said. The startup LimeBike estimated its scooters reduced 8,500 pounds of CO2 here in just two weeks. But those numbers are based on some shaky […]
Posted inEnvironment
Milk sludge and garbage caves: Here’s a look at Austin’s annual environmental report
Every year, the city of Austin comes out with an environmental assessment to keep officials up to date on air quality and the condition of the city’s waterways. Beyond those big issues, you can also find some stranger stories about pollution and cleanup-related issues in Austin. Milk sludge You might not know it, but the […]
Posted inEnergy
Community solar farm and batteries test power of Austin’s electric grid
One of the remarkable things about the La Loma community solar farm is where it’s located. Just east of Airport Boulevard, and a short drive to downtown, it’s the type of place you’d expect to see new homes going up. “There’s a lot of reason why this parcel really couldn’t have been used for something […]
Posted inPolice
Council members call for Manley to be made permanent police chief after Austin bombings
Members of City Council want to formally appoint Interim Police Chief Brian Manley as the city’s permanent chief. If a resolution is approved, City Manager Spencer Cronk would need to make the final hiring decision. Shortly after the announcement yesterday of the death of Austin’s serial bomber, Council Member Delia Garza issued a call to […]
Posted inWater
New flood warning website should give Central Texans a closer look at risks
A website that warns Central Texans about road flooding is getting an overhaul this month. The designers of the new site say the changes should give visitors more detail about flooding near them. ATXfloods.com is basically a map that shows which low-water crossings are underwater. On a sunny day, it should be full of green […]
Posted inEnergy
Austin revamps solar rebate program as White House levies new tariffs on panels
At a new 28-home development in East Austin, workers for Lighthouse Solar pull solar panels from the back of a trailer, haul them to a ladder, and then carry them 30 feet up to the recently shingled rooftops where they’ll be installed. It’s a fun job, said Tyson Bagio, as long as you’re not afraid […]
Posted inEnvironment
How zebra mussels will change Austin lakes (and maybe Barton Springs) forever
The invasive zebra mussel has been moving south for years, leaving destruction in its wake. Now, it’s in Lake Travis, and it will soon make its way downstream, changing the look, feel and maybe even the taste of Austin’s lakes forever. At first glance, the mussels don’t look very threatening. They’re about the size of […]
Posted inTexas State Legislature
City of Austin welcomes Texas AG opinion on local tree rules
In Austin, and in about 60 other Texas cities, you need to get a permit before you cut down some large or historic trees. Opponents of those tree preservation rules – including Gov. Greg Abbott – call them a violation of property rights. Now, Attorney General Ken Paxton has weighed in, and those opponents may […]