Environment

Environmental Commission approves heritage tree removal for East Austin housing project

The Environmental Commission voted to approve the removal of a 32-inch heritage pecan tree in East Austin to allow construction of a 120-unit supportive housing project for youth exiting foster care and the juvenile justice system. “This is the exact…

Development • By Madeline de Figueiredo • May 14, 2025

Parks funding recommendations expected to go before Council this month

The Parks and Recreation Department is moving forward with an effort to identify new funding options for the city’s park system, with a pair of outside consultants on board that have helped other large cities find and address funding gaps…

Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • May 9, 2025

PARD’s annual report shows progress toward providing equitable access to parks

City parks in the U.S. may historically get the short end of the stick during budget allocations, but Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department continues working on its 2030 long-range plan with a fair amount of success. According to the department’s…

Parks • By Amy Smith • May 9, 2025

Austin Energy’s annual report highlights growing demand, help for ratepayers

Austin Energy set new peak demand records for both summer and winter, according to a new report from the utility’s departing General Manager, Bob Kahn. Kahn released the utility’s FY2024 annual report last week. In addition to setting new records,…

Energy • By Jo Clifton • Apr 30, 2025

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City releases 'State of the Environment' report

The City of Austin released its annual State of the Environment Report on Earth Day, providing an update on Austin’s air and water quality, urban forest, parkland, and climate resilience in 2024. The city’s environmental officer is tasked with compiling…

Environment • By Mina Shekarchi • Apr 25, 2025

Resource Management Commission continues to explore potential audit of Austin Energy district cooling system

Austin Energy may soon be on the hook to set the record straight on its District Energy & Cooling System, as a proposal to conduct an audit on its finances gathers momentum at the Resource Management Commission. The resolution, brought…

Energy • By Kali Bramble • Apr 24, 2025

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Rite of spring: Dog-killing algae makes an early appearance in Austin waterways

Scientists with Austin’s Watershed Protection Department have spotted clumps of blue-green algae near Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake. This year marks one of the earliest seasonal reports of the algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which can be toxic…

Environment • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Apr 23, 2025

Watershed report focuses on projects to prevent and prepare for floods

The Watershed Protection Department has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting a lengthy list of achievements in flood prevention, future flood preparedness and erosion control projects in several corners of the city. The department credits these efforts for Austin’s improved…

Environment • By Amy Smith • Apr 18, 2025

Austin Resource Recovery to formally amend cart collection rules

Austin Resource Recovery, the city department that handles Austin’s waste, wants to clarify some things about how residents put out recycling, trash and compost carts. In a presentation to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission during a meeting on April 10,…

Resources • By Miles Wall • Apr 16, 2025

Panelists talk pipelines, batteries and other answers to Austin’s energy demands

Austin’s fast-paced growth and the increasing energy demands of large industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing are pushing the region’s energy infrastructure toward a critical juncture, according to experts who spoke at the Austin Chamber of Commerce’s recent Infrastructure…

Energy • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 14, 2025

Infrastructure panelists ponder tactics for stretching Austin’s existing water supply

Facing limited prospects for new water sources, Austin officials are advancing a broad strategy centered on water reuse, conservation and storage to meet the city’s long-term needs. At a recent infrastructure summit hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, water…

Water • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 9, 2025

Resource Management Commission, Austin Energy discuss reforms to homeowner solar incentives

The Resource Management Commission held an extended discussion on March 25 on a resolution urging Austin Energy, by way of City Council, to undertake several key reforms to residential solar incentive programs. The resolution, titled “Resolution on Changes to Residential…

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Environmental Commission approves heritage tree removal for East Austin housing project

Development • By Madeline de Figueiredo • May 14, 2025