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Texas Power Outages Persist for Nearly a Million Homes and Businesses Post-Hurricane Beryl

Nearly a million homes and businesses in Texas remain without power five days after Hurricane Beryl hit the state.

HOUSTON (Reuters) – Nearly a million homes and businesses in Texas remained without power on Friday, five days after Hurricane Beryl hit with fierce winds and rain, toppling trees and damaging electricity infrastructure.

CenterPoint Energy, the largest power provider in Texas, reported about 860,000 customers were still affected. The company has already restored power to over 1.4 million customers since Beryl’s landfall.

Utility Entergy said Texas restoration crews had restored power to about 183,000 of the 252,460 customers impacted by the hurricane as of Friday afternoon. Entergy expects full restoration by Monday, with 75% of customers expected to have power back by the end of Friday.

Frustrations are mounting among residents as Houston temperatures rise, with the Heat Index exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). Some businesses remain closed due to power outages, and residents have been forced to discard hundreds of dollars’ worth of groceries.

“The recent hurricane was only a Category 1. We will likely face more hurricanes, and they could be stronger. Are we going to have the same problems?” asked Soonkack Kook, founder of a coffee shop in midtown Houston, in an Instagram post.

Meteorologists at Colorado State University this week raised their forecast for the severity of the 2024 hurricane season, calling Beryl a harbinger of an active season. They now anticipate six major storms, up from an earlier forecast of five.

Beryl was the earliest Category 5 storm on record but hit the Texas coast as a Category 1 storm with winds around 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour).

Kook’s coffee shop has opened a pop-up outside as it has not had power for five days. CenterPoint Energy continues to work around the clock, expecting to restore 80% of impacted customers by Sunday. Crews have replaced over 2,000 poles and addressed damage from more than 6,000 trees.

Local residents without power have sought hotels and vacation rentals, but options are limited and often expensive. Some are considering leaving town for the weekend due to the heat and lack of power.

A study last year by the U.S. Department of Energy indicated that the median home in Houston would be habitable for four days during a heat event without power. “When you lose air conditioning, the temperatures indoors get dangerous much more quickly in homes that are not well-insulated,” said Lowell Ungar, director of federal policy for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

Beryl made landfall on Monday near Matagorda Bay in South Texas, only about 40 miles (64 km) from Freeport, Texas, home to the country’s third-largest liquefied natural gas facility and numerous chemical plants. Freeport LNG powered down in preparation for the hurricane and has not yet resumed production.

Chemical maker Dow reported process instability and reduced production rates due to the storm. Dow’s Texas sites are running with some limitations due to power infrastructure issues in Freeport.

Another chemical company, Olin, declared force majeure on Wednesday for some products after Beryl damaged its Freeport facilities. BASF’s Texas facilities experienced minimal impact and are working to resume normal operations. Formosa Plastics temporarily shut down operations at its Point Comfort plant but expects normal operations by next week.

Ports along the Gulf Coast, which had closed ahead of the hurricane, largely resumed operations and vessel traffic.

© Reuters. A worker repairs power lines in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Seabrook, Texas, U.S., July 11, 2024. REUTERS/Adrees Latif

The impact on refineries and offshore production platforms was limited.

Original Story at www.investing.com

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024