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Is "Big Chicken" Safe?

Critics like Luke Metzger at Environment Texas say chicken waste is killing fish. "Big chicken manufacturers actually are at the top of the list of the biggest water polluters in the state of Texas, actually passing up some of the refineries and chemical plants." Critics say the chicken waste gets in the water and allows algae to choke off the fish.

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Freeport Residents To Be Tested For Toxic Metals

It may seem like something out of a movie, but hundreds of Freeport residents are being told they'll soon be tested for exposure to potentially toxic metals. State health officials say that dangerous metal like nickel and cobalt have been found in both the air and the soil in areas of Freeport. Luke Metzger with Environment Texas thinks this is indicative of a big problem. "It's a sign that the industries and the state has not been doing enough to keep pollution out of the air and water," says Metzger.

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Earthquake Dilemma

The oil and gas industry process of fracking is not new. But environmentalists claim it pollutes the air and water and some believe it causes earthquakes.
U.S. government scientists have released a report that claims earthquakes in the Midwest are because of fracking. "Well that's what scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey have told us. They've reviewed the evidence and found that there is a strong connection." And Environment Texas' Luke Metzger says he wouldn't be surprised if the recent big quakes in Mexico are due to fracking.

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Regional Haze Rule hopes to improve smoky park views

Luke Metzger, director of Environment Texas, said the issue extends beyond state lines and requires national focus. “We could be doing much more to reduce emissions,” he said. “We should clean up our own mess in East Texas and work cooperatively with the federal government.” The haze, he said, has long-term effects on quality of life for community members and national park lovers. “Big Bend National Park has some of the most spectacular views in the world, but as haze floats into our national parks, it diminishes the experience,” he said. “That will reduce tourism and money for the community, so there’s a lot of far-reaching impacts.”

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Editorial: New buildings can and should save energy

Buildings use 40 percent of the energy consumed in the U.S. Far too much of that, experts say, is just plain wasted, the result of inefficiencies such as crummy insulation, inefficient hot water heaters and leaky ducts, doors and windows. "Nearly all new buildings in Texas use energy inefficiently," says Luke Metzger, director of Environment Texas, "as if the windows were left open with the AC running."

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