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Environment
Austin Water aims to transform landscape requirements for new homes
Austin Water is planning a landscape transformation initiative for new single-family homes as part of the city’s long-range water conservation strategies, according to a progress report Wednesday to the Water and Wastewater Commission. Kevin Critendon, Austin Water’s assistant director over…
Environment • By Amy Smith • Jun 14, 2024
New climate report shows last summer's record-high temps might not be a fluke
The results are in from researchers at the University of Texas’ Climate CoLab, and those who hoped last summer’s record-breaking temperatures to be a deviation from the norm might want to adjust their expectations. The new Climate Projections report, which…
Environment • By Kali Bramble • Jun 12, 2024
A 'heat dome' is back over Texas. Here's what that means (and why it's the worst).
Last year was a lot. It was the second-hottest summer in Texas. Much of that heat is because, well, Texas is hot as all get-out. Not just some get-out. It’s hot as all get-out. But last year, we thought, was novel: a pressure system,…
Environment • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Jun 10, 2024
Environmental Commission looks to make Austin safer for birds
The Environmental Commission voted Wednesday to form a working group to delve into how Austin can live up to its “Bird City” title by creating bird-safe buildings. The near-unanimous vote, with Colin Nickells abstaining, followed a presentation by Heidi Trudell,…
Environment • By Amy Smith • Jun 10, 2024
Watson focuses on how to finance city’s environmental goals
City Council on Tuesday received its first briefing on what is expected to be a painstaking journey toward developing and implementing an investment strategy for funding Austin’s Climate Equity Plan. A public hearing is set for today on the creation…
Environment • By Amy Smith • May 30, 2024
Smog got you down? Here's why air quality in Austin has been so bad this spring.
This spring has been a challenging one in Central Texas weather-wise. There was punishing heat, destructive hail and a thick yellow-gray haze that blanketed the region. But, of these three apocalyptic-feeling weather phenomena, the smog stands out as particularly unique. It’s been worse…
Environment • By Mose Buchele, KUT • May 30, 2024
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Leaking city pipes appear to be drought-proofing some Austin trees
Austin loses an estimated 21 gallons of water per person every day, mostly through leaks in the city’s water distribution system. Last year that totaled 8.6 billion gallons lost. Those leaks waste more than water; they drain energy and cost…
Water • By Mose Buchele, KUT • May 28, 2024
Memo outlines the high cost of planning for Austin’s environmental future
With the city already facing a budget deficit exceeding $13 million in the 2025 budget year, a recent staff memo with cost estimates for funding an array of environmental initiatives may be causing sticker shock in some circles. Yet proponents…
Environment • By Amy Smith • May 24, 2024
Council members are looking into need for increased funds for parks maintenance
Austin’s parkland acreage is growing along with the population – however, staffing for maintenance of those parks has not kept pace, according to a report discussed Wednesday among City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee. After comparing the number of parks…
Parks • By Jo Clifton • May 23, 2024
Water quality plan draws opposition from Reed Park neighbors
A water quality improvement project slated for a West Austin neighborhood park has sparked controversy among Tarrytown neighbors opposed to the prospect of losing an informal ball field to a biofiltration pond for stormwater runoff. Reed Neighborhood Park, given to…
Water • By Amy Smith • May 22, 2024
Travis County will turn family's ranch into 1,500 acres of public parkland
Travis County commissioners plan to add about 1,500 acres to the county’s wilderness parklands, protecting the pristine land from development and setting it up as a future destination for hikers and bicyclists. The $90 million deal to purchase a privately…
Parks • By Sangita Menon, KUT • May 21, 2024
Austin Energy dialing in to climate protection plan
After pausing to rethink its approach, Austin Energy is revisiting its update to the 2030 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan with a series of workshops set to begin next month. The first of four workshops, scheduled for June 7…
