News Release | Environment Texas

Fracking on Film: As Promised Land opens, group warns of dirty drilling damage to health and the environment

AUSTIN - As the new Matt Damon movie, Promised Land, opened in theaters today, Environment Texas sounded the alarm about the very real damage fracking is doing in here in Texas.

“Spoiler alert: The truth about fracking is even worse than what you see in the movie,” said Luke Metzger, Director of Environment Texas. “Right here in Texas, dirty drilling operations pollute our air and use huge amounts of water.”

News Release | Environment Texas

Houston Council Passes Stronger Energy Efficiency Standards

HOUSTON - New homes built in Houston will use less energy after the Houston City Council approved stronger energy efficiency standards for new residential properties this morning. Starting February 1, new residential properties will have to achieve 10% greater efficiency than the minimum required by the state of Texas. This fulfills part two of a commitment made by the Houston City Council a year ago to achieve a 15% stronger standard over three years (the final 5% will go to a vote at the end of the year).

News Release | Environment Texas

President Obama, Congress Save Wind Power in Fiscal Cliff Agreement

AUSTIN– Today President Obama will sign into law a bill that extends key tax credits for wind power and averts the ‘fiscal cliff.’ The main federal incentives for wind power – the renewable energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the offshore wind Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – expired on December 31, 2012, but with today’s new law will now be available for wind power projects that start construction over the next year, allowing for continued growth of Texas and American wind power.

News Release | Environment Texas

New Obama Admin. Pollution Standards Will Save Lives

AUSTIN—Today the Obama administration will strengthen air quality standards for particulate matter or “soot” pollution. Soot pollution is the deadliest of the common air pollutants, causing thousands of premature deaths every year across the country through a variety of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. It also contributes to haze that hangs over many of the country’s most scenic parks and wilderness areas. Sources of soot pollution include power plants and diesel trucks and buses. The strengthened standards, issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, outline how much soot pollution can be in the air and still be safe to breathe, and better reflect the latest scientific research.

News Release | Environment Texas

Statement by Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger on Today’s Announcement by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst Regarding Funding for Water Infrastructure

AUSTIN - According to the Associated Press, at a speech to the Dallas Regional Chamber, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst said today that Texas should consider using $1 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund to fund the State Water Plan. The following response may be attributed to Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger.

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