Category Archives: Analysis

Source of water well contamination in Texas and Pennsylvania identified

The recent US shale boom has spurred economic growth but it has also generated a public debate about whether the hydraulic fracturing methods of extracting the fossil fuels cause water, air, or other environmental degradation. This week, the Proceedings of … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis, Environmental data, Groundwater, Hydraulic fracturing, Oil & gas | Comments Off on Source of water well contamination in Texas and Pennsylvania identified

California water table drops; demand for water well data rises

You have probably heard by now: California is facing an extreme drought that is threatening the state’s population, ecosystems, and economic stability. What you may not know is that much of California, at least 40% during non-drought conditions, relies on … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis, Environmental data, Groundwater, Opinion, Regulatory issues | Comments Off on California water table drops; demand for water well data rises

USDOT proposes new regulations for transportation of crude oil

This past week, United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (pdf) and an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (pdf) that seeks to improve the safe transportation of large quantities of flammable materials by rail. The … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis, Energy, Oil & gas, Regulatory issues | Comments Off on USDOT proposes new regulations for transportation of crude oil

Most comprehensive groundwater depth map in Texas

Summer is finally here and the longest drought in Texas history is still with us, highlighting our need for some good news about water. In true Environmental Prose style, we thought it would be exciting to open up our database … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis, Environmental data, GIS, Groundwater, TX | 1 Comment

Public information concerns over oil shipments

In the wake of recent railway accidents involving crude oil shipments, the United States Department of Transportation issued an emergency order requiring railroad companies to notify state officials of specific route details and oil volume on trains shipping one million … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis, Energy, Industry news, Oil & gas, Regulatory issues | Comments Off on Public information concerns over oil shipments

EPA Proposes 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030

The EPA proposed new regulations this week that aim to lower carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal-fired power plants by 2030. Based on projections from 2005, the EPA seeks to reduce the amount of CO2 produced from these plants by … Continue reading

Posted in Analysis, Energy, EPA, Regulatory issues | Comments Off on EPA Proposes 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030