Erin Douglas

Erin Douglas is the environment reporter for the Texas Tribune. She was previously a business and economy reporter at the Houston Chronicle where she covered labor, energy and the environment. Before moving to Texas, Erin worked as an intern at Bloomberg in New York and at The Denver Post, her hometown newspaper. Erin studied journalism and economics at Colorado State University. Based in Houston, Erin is always planning her next road trip across Texas.

By Erin Douglas

Jul 01 2022, Erin Douglas

SCOTUS limits EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases

July 1, 2022

The high court said a cap on power plants’ carbon dioxide emissions that forces a transition to other fuels may be a “sensible” solution to the climate crisis, but that Congress did not give the Environmental Protection Agency the broad authority to make such requirements. Texas was one of 17 states that joined in the suit.

TEXAS TRIBUNE

Jun 24 2022, Erin Douglas

Texans tell TCEQ: Stop being reluctant to regulate industry

A report criticized Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for being “reluctant” regulators, favoring industry self-policing. Texans testified about its ineffectiveness, urging reform for transparency and accountability, especially in communities of color. Lawmakers debated recommendations, highlighting tensions between regulation, cost, and public trust.

Sep 10 2021, Erin Douglas

Texas bans storage of highly radioactive waste but West Texas facility may get license anyway

Texas has enacted a law, signed by Gov. Abbott, to ban storage of highly radioactive waste, aiming to block Waste Control Specialists' plan near Andrews County. Despite this, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is progressing with a license application for the site.

Jul 06 2021, Erin Douglas

Texas plan to reduce haze in national parks wouldn’t require new pollution limits

Texas regulators advanced a haze reduction plan for national parks without new pollution limits, dismissing federal and environmentalist concerns. The plan doesn't mandate coal plants to adopt pollution-reducing technologies. Environmental groups expect federal intervention due to the plan’s inadequacies. Texas argues the measures are unnecessary and cost-prohibitive.

Apr 15 2021, Erin Douglas

Texas bill that bans riskiest radioactive waste gives big financial break to nuclear waste co.

Texas lawmakers propose a bill to ban high-level radioactive waste in response to a nuclear waste storage plan in West Texas. The bill would reduce state fees for the company's existing lower-risk waste facility, raising concerns from environmentalists about financial impacts on safety and cleanup funds.

Feb 16 2021, Erin Douglas

Texas House Democrats launch climate, environment caucus

Seventeen Texas House Democrats, led by Rep. Erin Zwiener, formed a climate caucus to advocate for climate change discussions at the Capitol. They aim for legislative recognition of scientific consensus, addressing the disproportionate impact on minority communities, and fostering clean energy collaboration despite partisan challenges.

Jan 21 2021, Erin Douglas

Lawmakers to weigh whether wastewater from oil fields could replenish the state's aquifers

Lawmakers are considering using treated wastewater from oil fields to replenish Texas aquifers, following an EPA decision that allows the state to regulate water discharges. While some see potential benefits, scientists and environmental groups express concerns about risks and sufficiency of existing standards.

Jan 13 2021, Erin Douglas

Texas' move to control coal ash pollution could shield industry from tougher rules

Texas Tribune

Jan. 13, 2021

Texas may soon get authority over the disposal of ash from coal-fired power plants, a change that could insulate coal companies from tougher rules expected under a Biden administration.