Texas


Information and Resources

“Only a handful of states produce more milk than Texas. None generates more waste. During one year, a single dairy in the area produces 41 million pounds of manure. That weighs more than 47 Boeing 747s. Statewide, the number is staggering. Every year, Texas dairy cows generate seven and a half million tons of waste. That’s enough manure to fill Texas Stadium 19 times.”
-Source: Project Texas, a special report on the state of pollution from KHOU Houston.

Texas is the top producing state of animal waste in the US. With 220 billion pounds annually, twice as much waste is produced as California, the nation’s second-largest waste-producing state. CAFO companies continue to target Texas as a site for even more factories because state regulations are relatively lax. Source: Animal Factories: Pollution and Health Threats to Rural Texas

Some Neighborly Advice before Panhandle Pigs Out

This Op Ed warns Texas citizens about the threat posed by hog CAFOs. An excellent firsthand account of the problems created when factory farms move unchecked into rural communities. (Amarillo Net)

An Ode to a Pond

A Texas resident’s humorous response to factory farm problems in the state. “The Slurry with Film on Top” to be sung to the tune of the famous song from “Oklahoma.” (Pampa News, May 2)

America’s Animal Factories: How States Fail to Prevent Pollution from Livestock Waste

This Natural Resources Defense Council report describes the environmental and public health impacts of pollution generated by factory farms. Includes activist contacts and resources.

Animal Factories: Pollution and Health Threats to Rural Texas

An excellent, well-researched report about the many issues surrounding the influx of CAFOs into Texas. From consumersunion.org.

A Review of the Proposal to Construct A 3700 Sow Farrow to Finish Hog Operation In Gray County, Texas

The industrial organization and contract issues involved in operating large, corporate hog farms and the implications of these issues for the community. (Dr. William Weida, Department of Economics, Colorado College, August 24, 2001)

State Information

Provides state legislative information along with documents related to state and local government. (Washburn University School of Law)

US Farms – State Fact Sheets

Links for each state, with current information about farm size, financial status, rural employment, land use, and more. (USDA)

Water Quality in South-Central Texas, 1996-98

Water quality assessment reports from the US Geological Survey.

State and Local Government

Groups

Texas Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility

Works statewide with government scientists, land managers, environmental law enforcement agents, field specialists and other resource professionals committed to responsible management of Texas’ public resources in order to affect a fundamental change in the way their agencies conduct the public’s business. Promotes environmental ethics and government accountability.

Regulations

SRAProject Home