• 713-524-4CEC (4232)
  • info@cechouston.org
July 6, 2011

ECONOTES 2011-07-06: Environmental Headlines for the Houston Region

Featured

  1. Underground aquifers under stress even before big drought (Dave Fehling – KHOU 11 News, 06/30/2011)
    Water levels in the underground aquifers are dropping as the drought continues. These dropping levels cause the the homes located above to sink. Last year, when there was no drought, the underground aquifers declined by 10 to 50 feet in one year, which is pretty substantial. This year, the drought is causing millions more gallons to be pumped, likely to result in significant neighborhood sinking.
    http://www.khou.com/news/local/
  2. Dispatches from the front(s): Texas’ multifaceted coal war rumbles on (Texas Climate News, 07/06/2011)
    Texas is still struggling in the decisions to support new coal-fired power plants and to determine how big a role that coal will play in providing electricity to the state. Texas officials have been battling the EPA, most recently about an EPA initiative that would impose tighter controls on coal power plants’ emissions of pollutants. The debate centers around health concerns and cost.
    http://texasclimatenews.org/
  3. Bacteria levels bedevil beaches (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 06/29/2011)
    The water quality at Texas beaches has worsened within the last year, with over 704 beaches closed or posting advisories due to high levels of bacteria. High levels of bacteria in the water can result in increased chances of getting ear infections, skin rashes and stomach illnesses. Texas is ranked 17th among 30 states for water quality.
    http://www.chron.com/disp/story/

EcoNotes