As city and county officials have limited control over landfill operations in Houston, regulations and best practices fall to state and federal agencies.
Elena Bruess
Elena Bruess covers the environment for the Houston Landing. She comes to Houston after two years at the San Antonio Express-News, where she covered the environment, climate and water. Elena previously worked in the Midwest as a reporter for Circle of Blue, a nonprofit newsroom where she focused on water issues in the Great Lakes region. Before that, Elena covered health and inequity in Chicago as a Pulitzer Center reporting fellow. She is originally from Northeastern Iowa and holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a degree from University of Iowa's undergraduate writing program. When not on the beat, Elena will be reading a book in the sun or getting ultra-caffeinated at a coffee shop.
Posted inEnvironment
Experts say composting is the best solution to landfills. Where does Houston stand?
Composting saves landfill space by converting organic waste into enriched soil. About 50 percent of the trash set on the curb is compostable.
Posted inEnvironment
Houston’s trash problem is only getting worse. What will it take to get it under control?
Houston’s waste operations – which predominately impact Black and Brown neighborhoods – are at a crossroads as the city is running out of landfill space
Posted inEnvironment
A farming co-op for new American farmers is on its way to Houston. All they need is the land.
Plant It Forward works with recently located refugees to start up their own local farms. To combat high land prices, the future is farming as a co-op.
Posted inEspañol
Ofrecen pruebas gratis de detección de cáncer a residentes de Fifth Ward expuestos a contaminación
En colaboración con la concejal Plummer, una organización sin fines de lucro lanzó una iniciativa para la detección precoz del cáncer en Fifth Ward.
Posted inEnvironment
Free cancer screening offered to Fifth Ward residents exposed to water and soil contamination
In a partnership with Councilmember Plummer’s office, a nonprofit organization has launched efforts to catch cancer early in Greater Fifth Ward.
Posted inEnvironment
Greater Fifth Ward wants more answers as EPA, Union Pacific release railyard test results
The EPA says the high levels of contaminants found in a community center, school and a park are not an immediate threat to residents.
Posted inEnvironment
Southwest Houston is far hotter than other parts of Harris County, according to new data
In a 2024 heat data campaign, results show that some Harris County neighborhoods are 14 degrees hotter than cooler areas during the same day and time
Posted inEnvironment
As a solar panel training begins in Houston’s Fifth Ward, its federal funding remains uncertain
Trump has halted environmental justice initiatives and complicated federal funding. For the Black United Fund of Texas, this means a lot of uncertainties.
Posted inEnvironment
EPA, Union Pacific investigation finds contamination at Greater Fifth Ward community center
The EPA said it’d be fencing off the area behind the Julia C. Hester House, but insisted the contaminants do not pose an immediate risk to the community.