Martha Pskowski
Verified
As seen in:
Inside Climate News,
Medium,
MSN,
OneZero,
Bloomberg CityLab,
Bloomberg News,
El País,
Scribd,
The Guardian,
USA Today,
Yahoo News
and
Energy & environment reporter with @insideclimate / Reporting on water, oil, gas, borders.
Articles by Martha Pskowski
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to let Big Bend border wall project resume
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to let it resume building a border wall project through the Big Bend region of Texas. The government filed an emergency appeal asking the justices to lift a lower court decision halting construction. That ruling marked a setback to one of President Donald Trump’s signature projects.
Residents didn’t know their neighborhood was built near an abandoned oil well spreading toxic fumes
An aerial view shows the Preserve at Medina subdivision, a development of brick-and-siding starter homes in southwest San Antonio, on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. The Thompson Callaway Spears No. 1 well is located on the vacant lots enclosed by black metal fencing near the intersection of Vesper Branch and Jetfire Point. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News SAN ANTONIO — In Texas, suburbs have sprung up where oil pump jacks once bobbed.
Texas land commissioner treads carefully as Trump border wall advances on state property
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham is threading the needle. This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Border wall construction in the Big Bend region puts Republican Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham in a bind: back President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda or respond to growing bipartisan opposition to the wall.
Abandoned Oil Well Spreads Toxic Fumes, Dread Across San Antonio Subdivision
This article originally appeared on October 18 at Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. This story was a collaboration between Inside Climate News and the San Antonio Express-News. SAN ANTONIO—In Texas, suburbs have sprung up where oil pump jacks once bobbed.
Abandoned Oil Well Spreads Toxic Fumes, Dread Across San Antonio Subdivision
This article originally appeared on October 18 at Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. This story was a collaboration between Inside Climate News and the San Antonio Express-News. Sign up to read this article Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you. Email is required Email is already registered. Please sign in instead.
Abandoned oil well spreads toxic fumes, dread across San Antonio subdivision
; ; ; Continue reading More for You
The Most Annoying Neighbor in This San Antonio Subdivision Is a Leaking Oil Well
SAN ANTONIO, Texas—In Texas, suburbs have sprung up where oil pump jacks once bobbed. At the Preserve at Medina, a subdivision of brick-and-siding starter homes in southwest San Antonio, students filed off a school bus on a hot afternoon. One child turned down Vesper Branch, a street with a plugged oil well ringed by a heavy black metal fence: “CAUTION flammable gas,” a sign on the fence warned. A faint smell of rotten eggs hung in the air, from low levels of hydrogen sulfide leaking from the well.
The Most Annoying Neighbor in This San Antonio Subdivision Is a Leaking Oil Well
As new neighborhoods are built in Texas, residents don’t always know they are living on top of old oilfields. By Martha Pskowski SAN ANTONIO, Texas—In Texas, suburbs have sprung up where oil pump jacks once bobbed.
Abandoned oil well spreads toxic fumes, dread across San Antonio subdivision
This article is a collaboration between Inside Climate News and the San Antonio Express-News. Across Texas, suburbs have sprung up where oil pump jacks once bobbed. At the Preserve at Medina, a subdivision of brick-and-siding starter homes in southwest San Antonio, students filed off a school bus on a hot afternoon. One child turned down Vesper Branch, a street with a plugged oil well ringed by a heavy black metal fence: “CAUTION flammable gas,” a sign on the fence warned.
Texas Land Commissioner Treads Carefully as Trump Border Wall Advances on State Property
Border wall construction in the Big Bend region puts Republican Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham in a bind: back President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda or respond to growing bipartisan opposition to the wall. The Texas General Land Office manages 13 million acres across the state, much of it in far West Texas. Among its holdings are parcels along the Rio Grande that form the international boundary.
Operará con gas planta eléctrica de 500 millones de dólares para Meta
Mientras los funcionarios de Texas han puesto en pausa los permisos para centros de datos, un proyecto que sigue avanzando es el centro de datos de Meta, de 10,000 millones de dólares y 1 gigavatio, en el Noreste de El Paso. Meta ya había firmado acuerdos de reducción de impuestos con El Paso, había cumplido con los trámites regulatorios y había iniciado la construcción antes de que los funcionarios de Texas frenaran este año el desarrollo de centros de datos.
Operará con gas planta eléctrica para Meta
Mientras los funcionarios de Texas han puesto en pausa los permisos para centros de datos, un proyecto que sigue avanzando es el centro de datos de Meta, de 10,000 millones de dólares y 1 gigavatio, en el Noreste de El Paso. Meta ya había firmado acuerdos de reducción de impuestos con El Paso, había cumplido con los trámites regulatorios y había iniciado la construcción antes de que los funcionarios de Texas frenaran este año el desarrollo de centros de datos.
A Federal Judge Slams the Brakes on Big Bend Border Wall Construction
This story was originally published by Inside Climate News and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone granted a preliminary injunction Friday to halt construction on the border wall in Texas’ expansive Big Bend sector, including the national and state parks.
Federal Judge Slams the Brakes on Big Bend Border Wall Construction
EL PASO—Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone granted a preliminary injunction Friday to halt construction on the border wall in Texas’ expansive Big Bend sector, including the national and state parks. Cardone read a brief order from the bench after hearing more than four hours of testimony from conservation groups and residents of the Big Bend region, known internationally for its dark night skies, abundant biodiversity and rugged river canyons.
Federal Judge Slams the Brakes on Big Bend Border Wall Construction
Welcome to EcoTopical Your daily eco-friendly green news aggregator. Leaf through planet Earths environmental headlines in one convenient place. Read, share and discover the latest on ecology, science and green living from the web's most popular sites.
El Paso Electric only considered gas to power $10 billion Meta data center
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. While Texas officials have hit pause on data center permitting, one project that is still moving ahead is Meta’s $10 billion, 1-gigawatt data center in northeast El Paso.
Texas Electric Utility Only Considered Gas to Power $10 Billion Meta Data Center
EL PASO—While Texas officials have hit pause on data center permitting, one project is still moving ahead: Meta’s $10 billion, 1-gigawatt data center in northeast El Paso. Meta had already signed tax abatement agreements with El Paso, jumped through regulatory hoops and started construction before Texas officials tapped the brakes on data center development this year.
Texas Electric Utility Only Considered Gas to Power $10 Billion Meta Data Center
Welcome to EcoTopical Your daily eco-friendly green news aggregator. Leaf through planet Earths environmental headlines in one convenient place. Read, share and discover the latest on ecology, science and green living from the web's most popular sites.
Texas Oil and Gas Regulator Doubles Down and Defies State Legislature
AUSTIN, Texas—A chair with Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian’s name on it sat empty Tuesday in the hearing room of the Texas House Committee on Energy Resources. Committee Chairman Drew Darby had called Christian to testify before the panel, which oversees the Railroad Commission, regulator of the state’s powerful oil and gas industry. Christian failed to appear before the committee and wrote in a letter that he had a scheduling conflict.
Texas Oil and Gas Regulator Doubles Down and Defies State Legislature
After backlash to a new public comment policy, Commissioner Wayne Christian refused to attend a legislative hearing and cursed at a member of the public. By Martha Pskowski AUSTIN, Texas—A chair with Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian’s name on it sat empty Tuesday in the hearing room of the Texas House…
Bo French accused by Democratic rival Jon Rosenthal of using 'Nazi propaganda' in RRC race
; ; ; Continue reading More for You ; Continue reading More for You
Bo French accused by Democratic rival Jon Rosenthal of using 'Nazi propaganda' in RRC race
State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, the Democratic nominee for Texas Railroad Commission, speaks with supporters before an August 2025 press conference in Chicago. Jim Vondruska/Getty Images Jon Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, is facing off against Bo French, a far-right Republican culture warrior from Fort Worth, for a seat on the commission that regulates the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Meet the mechanical engineer running to regulate the Texas oil and gas industry
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Jon Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, is facing off against Bo French, a far-right Republican culture warrior from Fort Worth, for a seat on the commission that regulates the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Meet the mechanical engineer running to regulate the Texas oil and gas industry
Local advocates say curtailing greenhouse gas emissions is more important than extending the life of coal-fired power plants at or beyond their …
Martha Pskowski, Inside Climate News
Martha Pskowski covers climate change and the environment in Texas from her base in El Paso. She was previously an environmental reporter at the El Paso Times. She began her career as a freelance journalist in Mexico, reporting for outlets including The Guardian and Yale E360. Martha has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Hampshire College and a master’s degree in Journalism and Latin American Studies from New York University. She is a former Fulbright research fellow in Mexico.
Meet the mechanical engineer running to regulate the Texas oil and gas industry
Jon Rosenthal, left, poses with State Rep. James Talarico at a campaign event. This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Jon Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, is facing off against Bo French, a far-right Republican culture warrior from Fort Worth, for a seat on the commission that regulates the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Meet the Mechanical Engineer Running to Regulate the Texas Oil and Gas Industry
Jon Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, is facing off against Bo French, a far-right Republican culture warrior from Fort Worth, for a seat on the commission that regulates the oil and gas industry in Texas. In an interview with Inside Climate News during a campaign visit to El Paso this month, Rosenthal shared his vision for the oil and gas regulatory agency and responded to French’s inflammatory attacks.
Meet the Mechanical Engineer Running to Regulate the Texas Oil and Gas Industry
Jon Rosenthal is up against far-right Republican Bo French, known for his Islamaphobic comments. By Martha Pskowski Jon Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, is facing off against Bo French, a far-right Republican culture warrior from Fort Worth, for a seat on the commission that regulates…
Texas oil and gas regulators no longer will have to accept public comment at open meetings
; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Texas oil and gas regulators no longer will have to accept public comment at open meetings
Commissioner Wayne Christian, left, introduces a new public participation policy during the Railroad Commission of Texas meeting on Aug. 18. RRC Webcast The three elected officials who regulate the oil and gas industry in Texas have an open meeting each month in Austin to vote on matters ranging from pipeline violations to permit renewals. Members of the public can register to speak for up to three minutes at the end of each of those meetings.
Texas Oil Industry Running Out of Space to Dispose Wastewater
Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the “precipice” of running out of underground space to dispose of the nearly 1 billion gallons of wastewater that oil and gas production generates every day in the Permian Basin. The toxic wastewater, known as produced water, is usually injected underground into disposal wells. But these wells have increased underground pressure, triggering earthquakes and blowouts.
Texas Railroad Commission eliminates public comment period from its public meetings Original
The three elected officials who regulate the oil and gas industry in Texas hold an open meeting each month in Austin to vote on matters from pipeline violations to permit renewals. Members of the public can register to speak for up to three minutes at the end of each meeting. People often travel hundreds of miles from South Texas, the Permian Basin and the Gulf Coast for the opportunity to speak directly to the officials who have the final say in oil and gas regulation in Texas.
Pressure mounts to allow treated oilfield waste in Texas rivers and on rangeland
This story is published in partnership with Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here. ORLA — Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the "precipice" of running out of underground space to dispose of the nearly 1 billion gallons of wastewater that oil and gas production generates every day in the Permian Basin.
Pressure mounts to allow treated oilfield waste in Texas rivers and on rangeland
This story is published in partnership with Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here. ORLA — Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the “precipice” of running out of underground space to dispose of the nearly 1 billion gallons of wastewater that oil and gas production generates every day in the Permian Basin.
Texas oil and gas regulators will no longer have to accept public comment at open meetings
Commissioner Wayne Christian (left) introduces a new public participation policy during the Railroad Commission of Texas meeting on Tuesday. This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.
Pressure mounts to allow treated oilfield waste in Texas rivers and on rangeland
ORLA — Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the “precipice” of running out of underground space to dispose of the nearly 1 billion gallons of wastewater that oil and gas production generates every day in the Permian Basin. kAm%96 E@I:4 H2DE6H2E6C[ <?@H?
Texas Oil and Gas Regulators Will No Longer Have to Accept Public Comment at Open Meetings
The three elected officials who regulate the oil and gas industry in Texas hold an open meeting each month in Austin to vote on matters from pipeline violations to permit renewals. Members of the public can register to speak for up to three minutes at the end of each meeting. People often travel hundreds of miles from South Texas, the Permian Basin and the Gulf Coast for the opportunity to speak directly to the officials who have the final say in oil and gas regulation in Texas.
Texas Oil and Gas Regulators Will No Longer Have to Accept Public Comment at Open Meetings
The Railroad Commission of Texas adopted a new participation policy before sharing it with the public. By Martha Pskowski The three elected officials who regulate the oil and gas industry in Texas hold an open meeting each month in Austin to vote on matters from pipeline violations to permit renewals.
Pressure increases for Texas to allow treated drilling waste into rivers and rangeland
State Sen. Charles Perry, a Republican from Lubbock, attends the Aug. 10 ribbon cutting for a new produced water treatment facility in Orla, Texas. This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.
Pressure mounts to allow treated oilfield waste in Texas rivers and on rangeland
This story is published in partnership with Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here. ORLA — Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the “precipice” of running out of underground space to dispose of the nearly 1 billion gallons of wastewater that oil and gas production generates every day in the Permian Basin.
Pressure mounts to allow treated oilfield waste in Texas rivers and on rangeland
This story is published in partnership with Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here. ORLA — Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the "precipice" of running out of underground space to dispose of the nearly 1 billion gallons of wastewater that oil and gas production generates every day in the Permian Basin.
Pressure Increases for Texas to Allow Treated Drilling Waste Into Rivers and Rangeland
ORLA, Texas—Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the “precipice” of running out of underground space to dispose of the nearly 1 billion gallons of wastewater that oil and gas production generates every day in the Permian Basin. The toxic wastewater, known as produced water, is usually injected underground into disposal wells. But these wells have increased underground pressure, triggering earthquakes and blowouts.
Pressure Increases for Texas to Allow Treated Drilling Waste Into Rivers and Rangeland
As oil and gas companies run out of places to put their wastewater, Texas regulators draft permits for treatment and reuse outside the oilfields. By Martha Pskowski ORLA, Texas—Elected officials and industry leaders warn that Texas is at the “precipice” of running out of underground space to dispose of…
Permian Basin community seeks fix for radium in its drinking water
From Inside Climate News: IMPERIAL, Texas—Many residents of this small town drive long distances to buy bottled water instead of opening up the tap. Pecos County Fresh Water, a county-operated utility, provides drinking water for 800 people in Imperial and the surrounding area. The utility routinely violates safe drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency for “combined radium” and “gross alpha,” two metrics of radioactivity in water.
El Paso Officials Seek Answers Following Emissions at Marathon Refinery
EL PASO, Texas—Gilbert Morales struggled to compose himself before addressing the El Paso City Council on Tuesday morning. Morales fought back tears as he recounted how his wife died of lung cancer in June, despite never being a smoker. He lives next to Marathon Petroleum’s El Paso Refinery, which is one of the largest sources of air pollution in the city and has come under recent scrutiny for flaring hazardous compounds.
Permian Basin community seeks fix for radium in its drinking water
Stoiber, of the Environmental Working Group, said that people who are pregnant or immunocompromised can be at increased risk when exposed to radioactivity. She added that people can be exposed not just from drinking the water but also when bathing or showering.
Permian Basin Community Seeks Fix for Radium in Its Drinking Water
IMPERIAL, Texas—Many residents of this small town drive long distances to buy bottled water instead of opening up the tap. Pecos County Fresh Water, a county-operated utility, provides drinking water for 800 people in Imperial and the surrounding area. The utility routinely violates safe drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency for “combined radium” and “gross alpha,” two metrics of radioactivity in water.
Permian Basin Community Seeks Fix for Radium in Its Drinking Water
IMPERIAL, Texas—Many residents of this small town drive long distances to buy bottled water instead of opening up the tap. Pecos County Fresh Water, a county-operated utility, provides drinking water for 800 people in Imperial and the surrounding area. The utility routinely violates safe drinking water standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency for “combined radium” and “gross alpha,” two metrics of radioactivity in water.
The clock is ticking for New Mexico to cut Rio Grande water use
Photos by Paul Ratje July 19, 2026 This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Reporting supported by the Water Desk at the University of Colorado Boulder. HATCH, N.M.—After 13 years, Texas and New Mexico have finally reached a settlement in a Supreme Court case over Rio Grande water management. Now comes the hard part.
The clock is ticking for New Mexico to cut Rio Grande water use
Photos by Paul Ratje. Reporting supported by the Water Desk at the University of Colorado Boulder. HATCH, N.M.—After 13 years, Texas and New Mexico have finally reached a settlement in a Supreme Court case over Rio Grande water management. Now comes the hard part. Texas sued New Mexico in 2013, arguing that its upstream neighbor was hogging water on the river that millions depend on for irrigation and drinking water.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Martha
Contact Martha, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack