June 30, 2015 - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a lawsuit challenging the Obama Administration’s illegal attempt to expand the regulatory power of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by revising the regulatory definition of “navigable waters” under the Clean Water Act, which vastly expands its jurisdiction, threatening the ability of states and private property owners to use their own land. The rule violates the U.S. Constitution, federal law and U.S. Supreme Court precedent, and places costly burdens on landowners in Texas.

June 29, 2015 - It’s that time of year when fireworks stands open and big plans are made for the July 4th holiday. If fireworks, grilling or hanging out by a campfire are part of your celebration this year, Texas A&M Forest Service urges caution.

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, July 4th has the most fires reported than on any other day and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fire,” TFS Wildland Urban Interface Department Head Bruce Woods said.

June 29, 2015 - The Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. And, why not? Families and friends gather to celebrate our country with food, parades, parties, and fireworks.

But there is a very dark side to this great holiday. For many, the celebrations turn from festive to fatal when alcohol-impaired driving crashes occur because someone chose to drive after drinking. In 2013, Forbes magazine named the Independence Day holiday “the most dangerous holiday of the year.”

June 26, 2015 - As the July 4 holiday weekend approaches, officials with the U.S. Forest Service are reminding the public that fireworks are prohibited in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas.

Despite recent rains, fireworks can create a potentially dangerous fire situation, and Forest Supervisor Mark Van Every says law enforcement personnel will be watchful again this year.