Preservation vs. development: Opinions differ on the future of Hill Country

Only about 5% of the area is currently protected from development. Hill Country Alliance Executive Director Katherine Romans believes projects like this are scary propositions. The organization noted that the region has grown 50% in the past 20 years. “Currently we...

Texas’ first House Water Caucus positions water as a top priority this legislative session and beyond

Texas Water Foundation (TWF) today announced the establishment of the Texas House Water Caucus, a new, bi-partisan collaborative focused on water issues with a starting roster of thirty-eight legislators committed to the cause. As one of the fastest growing states in...

Weather, climate, and measuring chili pepper heat

I know someone in public relations; she avoids topics such as religion, politics, and the weather. Religion and politics can be very personal and areas of possible dissent. Talking about the weather, she tells me, might seem safe, but might in its safety bore the very...

Texas 2036’s Strategic Framework shows how Texas stacks up across key performance areas and against other states

As Texas looks toward its bicentennial, Texas 2036 releases a new data-driven roadmap for the state to be the best place to live and work. Reflecting more than six years of research and analysis, “Shaping Our Future: A Strategic Framework for Texas” was created by...

Ongoing drought, growing population and aging infrastructure affecting water supplies

Having enough water for Austin’s growing population is a huge concern. Add the ongoing drought, record-breaking heat and aging infrastructure and you can see why water managers and conservationists are worried about the future. The KVUE Defenders looked into...

New project seeks ‘equitable adaptation’ of urban stormwater infrastructure, management

The National Science Foundation recently announced project awards for its Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) planning grant program, and the team led by Wendy Jepson, Ph.D., Texas Water Resources Institute associate director and University Professor of Geography in...