https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alejandra-martinez/The latest news by Alejandra Martinez.enFri, 17 Jan 2025 13:51:16 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/17/texas-big-red-sage-endangered-species-act/Only seven native populations remain in Texas, all in the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas.By Alejandra MartinezFri, 17 Jan 2025 13:51:16 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/17/texas-big-red-sage-endangered-species-act/https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/16/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-methane-rule-biden/The rule fines certain oil and gas facilities that exceed federal limits for methane emissions.By Alejandra MartinezThu, 16 Jan 2025 15:56:38 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/16/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-methane-rule-biden/A natural gas flare in Garden City. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the federal government to stop a methane tax aimed at reducing emissions of the potent greenhouse gas.The Rebel Gas Plant vents off natural gas into two flare stacks Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Garden City.Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/16/texas-water-legislation-charles-perry-supply-infrastructure/Texas’ population is booming and there is not enough water for everyone. State Sen. Charles Perry hopes to fix that.By Jayme Lozano Carver and Alejandra MartinezThu, 16 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/16/texas-water-legislation-charles-perry-supply-infrastructure/State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, on the Senate floor on May 15, 2019. Perry hopes the Legislature this year will create a dedicated fund for water issues.State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, on the Senate floor on May 15, 2019.Juan Figueroa/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/15/texas-particulate-matter-air-pollution-rule-epa/Critics say TCEQ is erroneously using a federal rule to exclude counties that are failing federal soot rules.By Alejandra MartinezWed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/15/texas-particulate-matter-air-pollution-rule-epa/https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/14/epa-risk-assessment-pfas-forever-chemicals-sewage-sludge-biosolids-fer/Fertilizers that contain treated sewage tainted with toxic PFAS chemicals can be spread on farmland and pose a health risk to people who consume milk, eggs and beef, the agency says.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 14 Jan 2025 15:02:22 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/14/epa-risk-assessment-pfas-forever-chemicals-sewage-sludge-biosolids-fer/Sewage being treated at the San Antonio Water System's Steven M. Clouse Water Recycling Center in San Antonio on Aug. 23, 2024.Bar screens are used to remove large portions of solids and garbage during the wastewater treatment process at SAWS’ Steven M. Clouse Water Recycling Center in San Antonio on Aug. 23, 2024.Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/08/texas-immigration-mass-deportations-economy/“We wouldn’t survive” without undocumented workers, one South Texas produce business owner said. By one estimate, 8% of Texas’ workforce lacks legal status.By Alejandra Martinez, Alejandro Serrano, Berenice Garcia, Carlos Nogueras Ramos and Joshua FechterWed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/08/texas-immigration-mass-deportations-economy/Construction workers building homes in San Antonio on Dec. 10, 2024.Construction workers building homes in far west San Antonio on Dec. 10, 2024.Scott Stephen Ball for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/06/texas-cold-temperatures-ercot-power-grid-polar-vortex/The state’s electric grid operator issued a weather watch until Friday but says it doesn’t expect power disruptions as demand rises.By Alejandra Martinez and Alejandro SerranoMon, 06 Jan 2025 11:21:43 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/06/texas-cold-temperatures-ercot-power-grid-polar-vortex/https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/20/texas-pfas-forever-chemicals-biosolids-fertilizer-legislation/The bill would require companies to test fertilizer made from sewage sludge for PFAS and meet limits before selling them to Texas farmers and ranchers.By Alejandra MartinezFri, 20 Dec 2024 16:25:54 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/20/texas-pfas-forever-chemicals-biosolids-fertilizer-legislation/Biosolids are collected at the San Antonio Water System’s Steven M. Clouse Water Recycling Center in San Antonio on Aug. 23, 2024.Biosolids are collected at the SAWS’ Steven M. Clouse Water Recycling Center in San Antonio, Texas, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/18/texas-undocumented-immigrants-mass-deportations-trump/As Republican Texas leaders show support for Trump’s mass deportation plans, undocumented people — some who have lived in America for decades — are weighing their options amid mounting fears.By Alejandra Martinez, Berenice Garcia and Alejandro SerranoWed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/18/texas-undocumented-immigrants-mass-deportations-trump/The 41-year-old co-founder of a nonprofit that aids immigrants at his office in Dallas on Dec. 16, 2024. Born in Mexico and brought to the U.S. by his parents when he was 7, the man is undocumented and anxious about President-elect Donald Trump's promises of mass deportations.DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 16, 2024: A Dallas-resident, 41, co-founder of a nonprofit organization, at his office in Dallas, Texas on Monday, December 16, 2024. The resident was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico and migrated to the United States when he was seven-years-old. He was a DACA recipient until it expired and he didn’t reapply in time. CREDIT: Desiree Rios for The Texas TribuneDesiree Rios for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/16/texas-epa-methane-rule-oil-gas-public-comment/Texas regulators are taking public comment about how they should implement an EPA rule to reduce methane leaks from the oil and gas industry.By Alejandra MartinezMon, 16 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/16/texas-epa-methane-rule-oil-gas-public-comment/A residential home sits yards away from the Bruder drill site, owned by TotalEnergies, in Arlington.ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 20, 2024: A wall containing Bruder drill site owned by Total in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The city of Arlington approved Total’s application to drill and frack 11 gas wells at this site, which sits over 300 feet away from residential homes. CREDIT: Desiree Rios for Texas TribuneDesiree Rios for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/11/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-3M-DuPont-forever-chemicals-pfas/Paxton’s office has accused 3M and DuPont of misrepresenting or concealing the health risks of PFAS, which have been sold for decades for use in consumer products.By Alejandra MartinezWed, 11 Dec 2024 14:54:09 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/11/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-3M-DuPont-forever-chemicals-pfas/Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at the 2024 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio on May 23, 2024. Paxton's office has sued two major manufacturers of "forever chemicals" used in many consumer products, accusing them of failing to warn the public of the chemicals' health dangers.Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at the 2024 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio on May 23, 2024.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/04/texas-thc-ban-dan-patrick-delta-8-9-hemp/Patrick contends retailers have exploited a law passed in 2019 to sell unregulated and potentially harmful consumable tetrahydrocannabinol products.By Jasper Scherer, Alejandra Martinez, Karen Brooks Harper and Stephen SimpsonWed, 04 Dec 2024 22:07:14 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/04/texas-thc-ban-dan-patrick-delta-8-9-hemp/Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Patrick said Wednesday that the THC ban would be designated as Senate Bill 3.Lt. Governor Dan Patrick speaks during the Texas GOP Convention Thursday, May 23, 2024 in San Antonio.Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/02/texas-farmers-pfas-forever-chemicals-biosolids-fertilizer/The fertilizer was promoted as an environmental win-win for years. An untold number of farmers and ranchers across Texas have spread it on their land.By Alejandra MartinezMon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/02/texas-farmers-pfas-forever-chemicals-biosolids-fertilizer/Tony and Karen Coleman stand over a plot of land where they buried a deceased calf and bull on their property in Grandview on Aug. 5, 2024.Tony and Karen Coleman stand over a plot of land where they buried a deceased calf and bull on their property in Grandview, Texas on Aug. 5, 2024.Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/08/texas-environment-trump-biden-climate-change/The president-elect has pledged to weaken air pollution regulations, reverse efforts to slow climate change and continue to boost oil and gas production.By Alejandra Martinez and Carlos Nogueras RamosFri, 08 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/08/texas-environment-trump-biden-climate-change/https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/05/texas-railroad-commission-election-2024/The three-member board oversees Texas’ oil and gas industry. The agency has faced criticism over safety concerns linked to fracking, well blowouts and groundwater protection.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 05 Nov 2024 22:06:02 -0600https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/05/texas-railroad-commission-election-2024/Christi Craddick, chair of the Texas Railroad Commission, speaks to delegates at the 2024 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio on May 25. She won reelection Tuesday.Christi Craddick, chair of the Texas Railroad Commission, speaks to delegates at the 2024 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio on May 25, 2024.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/29/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-endangered-freshwater-mussels/The lawsuit claims the endangered designation for six mussel species is a misuse of environmental law that threatens Texas’ economy.By Alejandra MartinezTue, 29 Oct 2024 14:42:38 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/29/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-endangered-freshwater-mussels/The Guadalupe Fatmucket, one of several species that received federal protection earlier this year, is a rare mussel that is exclusively found in the Guadalupe River basin.The Guadalupe Fatmucket is a rare mussel that is exclusively found in the Guadalupe River Basin.Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority websitehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/25/texas-election-2024-early-voting-problems/A Bexar County election worker was assaulted Thursday, officials said. In Tarrant County, officials encouraged voters to review their ballots before voting.By Alejandra Martinez and Berenice GarciaFri, 25 Oct 2024 11:37:22 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/25/texas-election-2024-early-voting-problems/A line to vote wraps around the sidewalk at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library on Oct. 21 in Fort Bend County. Long lines have been reported across the state. So far, few issues have been reported.The line wraps around the sidewalk at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Ft Bend County.Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/21/railroad-commission-election-2024/Incumbent Christi Craddick is touting the health of the Texas energy industry and its impact on the economy. Her top opponent says regulation on the commission is too lax.By Alejandra MartinezMon, 21 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/21/railroad-commission-election-2024/Commission Shift’s executive director, Virginia Palacios, moderates a Texas Railroad Commission candidate forum with Libertarian Hawk Dunlap, Democrat Katherine Culbert and Green Party candidate Eddie Espinoza in Austin on Oct. 16, 2024. Republican incumbent Christi Craddick did not attend.From left: Commission Shift Executive Director Virginia Palacios moderates a Texas Railroad Commission candidate forum with Libertarian Hawk Dunlap, Democrat Katherine Culbert and Green Party candidate Eddie Espinoza in Austin on Oct. 16, 2024. Republican incumbent Christi Craddick did not attend.Montinique Monroe for the Texas Tribunehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/10/west-texas-well-blowout-oil-gas-railroad-commission/Experts warn that more blowouts should be expected unless oil and gas companies change their methods.By Carlos Nogueras Ramos and Alejandra MartinezThu, 10 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/10/west-texas-well-blowout-oil-gas-railroad-commission/A well blowout shoots a mixture of oil, water, and gas over 100 feet in the air west of Toyah on Oct. 4.An oil well blowout shooting a mixture of oil, water, and gas over 100 feet in the air west of Toyah on Oct. 4, 2024.Justin Hamel courtesy of DeSmoghttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/09/23/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-endangered-dunes-sagebrush-lizard/The lawsuit claims federal regulators have undermined the Texas oil and gas industry by misusing environmental law, negatively impacting drilling and production.By Alejandra MartinezMon, 23 Sep 2024 12:08:02 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/09/23/texas-ken-paxton-lawsuit-endangered-dunes-sagebrush-lizard/Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the federal government over its decision to add the dunes sagebrush lizard, which lives in the state's biggest oil and gas region, to the endangered species list.Dunes Sagebrush Lizard.Ryan Hagerty/USFWS