Kiah Collier

Kiah Collier reports on energy and the environment for the Texas Tribune, where she began working in July 2015. Since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009 with degrees in philosophy and multimedia journalism, Kiah has reported on government and politics for publications across the state, including the Austin-American Statesman and the Houston Chronicle.

By Kiah Collier

Jul 09 2020, Kiah Collier

Texas ranks second in budget cuts for environmental protection

Over the past decade, Texas reduced environmental protection funding by 35% despite increased industrial activity. This ranks Texas second among 30 states in funding cuts, which occurred as state revenue grew. The Environmental Integrity Project highlights that cuts coincide with federal efforts to shift more environmental oversight to states.

Jun 02 2020, Kiah Collier

New Texas A&M study: Extreme weather ahead

A Texas A&M study predicts warmer weather, more wildfires, urban flooding, and intensified hurricanes in Texas by 2036 due to climate change. Despite some positive aspects, such as stable river flooding, the study emphasizes the need for climate resilience initiatives, which face political challenges in the state.

Jul 31 2019, Kiah Collier

Rice, Texas A&M vie to protect Houston from hurricanes

Rice University proposes the Galveston Bay Park Plan, a $3-6 billion project for hurricane protection in the Houston-Galveston area, focusing on quicker, cheaper, and multipurpose solutions compared to Texas A&M's $20 billion coastal barrier system. It aims to protect key areas and be completed by 2027.

Mar 20 2019, Kiah Collier

Houston petrochemical fire out after three days of burning

A Houston-area petrochemical fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company was extinguished after three days. The facility had a history of environmental violations. While air quality was deemed safe, officials warned sensitive populations to limit exposure. Firefighting faced challenges due to reduced water pressure. No injuries or explosion risks were reported.

Jan 18 2019, Kiah Collier

Texas coal plants leaching toxins into groundwater, report says

Texas coal plants are contaminating groundwater with pollutants like arsenic and cobalt from coal ash, a report by the Environmental Integrity Project warns. Most disposal sites lack proper lining to prevent leakage, and contamination exceeds federal health benchmarks, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Aug 01 2018, Kiah Collier

State park could close if Trump builds border wall through it

Birding tourism, a huge industry in the Rio Grande Valley, could be affected by negative environmental impacts of the border wall. Above, a Kisskadee perches at Resaca de la Palma, a World Birding Center Texas state park. Photo by Callie Richmond/The Texas Tribune.

Aug. 1, 2018

Aug 28 2017, Kiah Collier

When Climate Change Meets Sprawl: Why Houston's ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime' Floods Keep Happening

Houston's flooding frequency and severity are attributed to explosive growth and inadequate regulations, which have paved over flood-absorbing land. Climate change exacerbates rainfall intensity. Officials downplay these causes, blaming outdated infrastructure. Experts advocate for green spaces and stricter controls. Residents suffer recurring floods, demanding effective solutions.

Mar 14 2017, Kiah Collier

Scientists say Trump's border wall would devastate wildlife habitat

Scott Nicol, co-chair of the Sierra Club’s Borderlands Campaign, stands in front of the border fence in Hidalgo in far South Texas. This section, which sits atop a levee, runs between a national wildlife refuge and a local nature center. Photo by Callie Richmond/The Texas Tribune.

March 14, 2017

From the Texas Tribune

Nov 30 2016, Kiah Collier

Feds sue to block acquisition of Dallas radioactive waste company

The U.S. Justice Department is suing to halt the $367 million merger of EnergySolutions and Waste Control Specialists to prevent reduced competition for low-level radioactive waste disposal, which has led to lower prices and better service. The merger would impact 36 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Nov 16 2016, Kiah Collier

How will Texas energy — and environment — fare under Trump?

Trump's win cheered the Texas oil and gas industry but worried environmentalists. His pro-coal stance may hurt Texas' natural gas sector, despite his aim to deregulate. Unpredictable policies leave energy experts uncertain about the future impact on renewable energy and Texas' oil and gas markets.