Al Armendariz, the new EPA Regional Administrator for Texas and surrounding states, comes from a background as an environmental activist.

"Thousands of people in the heart of Frisco [Texas] are exposed to toxic lead pollution from a battery recycling plant that wants to expand production."

"In New Mexico, a tribal attempt to protect Mount Taylor sparks a battle over ancient claims to the land."

"As America's petroleum heartland, Texas isn't known for being environmentally sensitive. But its oil-boom, energy savvy attitude could put the state in a surprising position--leading the charge to alternative energy in the U.S."

Sandstorms reminiscent of the 1930s dustbowl are becoming more common in Navajo country -- and climate change seems to be a culprit.

A rapidly invading plant called Buffelgrass is changing the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. By causing an increase in fires, it could endanger the iconic saguaro cactus there.

"While America turns away from dirty energy, Texas could soon have 12 new coal-fired power plants. What gives?"

"Exide Technologies' decision last month not to seek state permission to expand production at its Frisco lead smelter doesn't mean public health concerns are over."

"By the end of the month, the federal Environmental Protection Agency will probably declare that Texas' air permitting program lacks adequate public participation and transparency."

"More than 60 years after scientists assembled the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, lethal waste is seeping from mountain burial sites and moving toward aquifers, springs and streams that provide water to 250,000 residents of northern New Mexico."

"CORPUS CHRISTI — Las Brisas Energy Center and several environmental groups take to the courtroom this week to argue the details of the proposed power plant’s air permit."

"The Navajo Generating Station, the huge coal-fired power plant outside Page, supplies a fraction of Arizona's electricity demand, but its role in moving water to the state's largest cities has thrust it into a growing battle over the cost of cleaning up air pollution."

"Thousands of people in the heart of Frisco [Texas] are exposed to toxic lead pollution from a battery recycling plant that wants to expand production." City officials are opposing the expansion.

"The contested air permit for the Sithe Global Desert Rock coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico today was sent back to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for additional analysis."

"Texas' new plan to improve the Houston area's famously dirty air may not meet federal limits for smog."