Five stories that have North Texas talking: The Electoral College will vote today for the next president; the water ban in Corpus Christi has been lifted; Jerry Jones’ grandson takes state; and more.
Texas has the highest sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants in the U.S., according to The Texas Tribune. In order to reduce those emissions, the Environmental Protection Agency is hoping to withdraw one plan and implement another.
This summer, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a federal plan to reduce haze in Big Bend National Park and other natural sites in Texas. Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged the part of the Regional Haze Rule that would have required seven coal-fired power plants in Texas to install equipment that would curb these emissions, the Tribune reports. Paxton thought it would be too expensive "without achieving any visibility changes."
More: Cheap Gas And Wind Power Are Making Coal Obsolete In Texas, One Group Says
The EPA is seeking permission from the court to withdraw the plan and re-work it. The agency expects to hear from the state by today, the Tribune reports. Two weeks ago, the EPA proposed a similar regulation addressing another part of the Regional Haze Rule. It would require 14 power plants across Texas, nine of which burn coal, to implement technology that would reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and particulate matter — both negatively affect visibility and health.
- At least two of Texas’ 38 electors announced they won’t cast votes for Donald Trump. Art Sisneros of Dayton said he will resign at the meeting, likely to be replaced by a Trump supporter. The other, Christopher Suprun from Dallas, vowed that he will vote for someone else. According to The Texas Tribune, “Suprun has already drawn the ire of some of the state's top Republicans, who are now pushing to make Texas the 30th state where electors must support the winner of the statewide popular vote.” The state’s electors will vote today. [The Texas Tribune]
- A nearly four-day ban on drinking the water in Corpus Christi was lifted Sunday. None of the 28 water samples analyzed by the EPA tested positive for Indulin AA-86, an asphalt-emulsifying agent that's corrosive, The Associated Press reports. The city issued a ban Wednesday out of concern that a chemical leak at an asphalt plant could have contaminated the city's water supply. The EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will continue collecting and testing water samples over the next few days. [The Associated Press]
- Jerry Jones’ grandson led Highland Park’s football team to its first state championship in 11 years. John Stephen Jones Saturday scored two touchdowns, “including the go-ahead score from the 1-yard line on fourth down in the third quarter,” helping Highland Park defeat Temple 16-7 for the Class 5A Division I title Saturday, The Associated Press reports. Saturday’s win was the fourth state title for Highland Park and the first since 2005. The Dallas Cowboys owner was there to congratulate his grandson in celebration after the game at AT&T Stadium. [The Associated Press]
- Meet Devon Nowlin, a visual artist from Fort Worth and the subject of the most recent Artist Spotlight. Nowlin’s work explores, gender, consumerism and sexuality. She thinks everyone can appreciate art, which is why she’s making it more accessible to people. She has produced public art projects and help found the artist group HOMECOMING! Committee, which focuses on taking art outside traditional gallery spaces. Get to know Nowlin as she talks about her creative journey and current work. [Art&Seek]
The Texas Tribune, The Associated Press and Art&Seek contributed to this report.
