Martha Pskowski
@psskow.bsky.social
Reporter for Inside Climate News in El Paso, Texas. Reporting on water, oil, gas, borders.
Pinned
Martha Pskowski
@psskow.bsky.social
· Aug 20
El Paso is one of the fastest warming cities in the country. Over the last two years heat deaths rose sharply. But investigating the health risks of extreme heat in El Paso I found that data is lacking and the local group tasked with responding has no dedicated funding.
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
In our magazine, from @liseolsen.bsky.social and @psskow.bsky.social: East Texans are uniting to fight oil waste pits in bucolic areas near Louisiana—all run by an operator who’s been cited for dozens of violations, and a worker’s death.
Published in partnership with @insideclimatenews.org
Published in partnership with @insideclimatenews.org
East Texans Fight Oil Waste Pits Run by an Operator Cited for Dozens of Violations
In bucolic areas near the Louisiana line, residents ask, "Why are Texas taxpayers liable for other states’ toxic waste?"
www.texasobserver.org
November 17, 2025 at 3:05 PM
In our magazine, from @liseolsen.bsky.social and @psskow.bsky.social: East Texans are uniting to fight oil waste pits in bucolic areas near Louisiana—all run by an operator who’s been cited for dozens of violations, and a worker’s death.
Published in partnership with @insideclimatenews.org
Published in partnership with @insideclimatenews.org
I learned recently there is an area in El Paso where the IBWC/TCEQ straight up can't sample the water in the Rio Grande because of all the militarization. I guess we just won't know anymore how god awful the water quality is!
November 14, 2025 at 1:36 AM
I learned recently there is an area in El Paso where the IBWC/TCEQ straight up can't sample the water in the Rio Grande because of all the militarization. I guess we just won't know anymore how god awful the water quality is!
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Funding alert: @grist.org is offering grants of up to $5,000 for reporting on rural climate issues and environmental justice in the United States. Newsrooms and freelancers are welcome to apply. Please share! grist.org/updates/gris...
Grist opens applications for new rural reporting grants on climate and environmental justice
Applicants can request up to $5,000 per project.
grist.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Funding alert: @grist.org is offering grants of up to $5,000 for reporting on rural climate issues and environmental justice in the United States. Newsrooms and freelancers are welcome to apply. Please share! grist.org/updates/gris...
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
NEW: The US has deported a longtime Oregon firefighter who was arrested by Border Patrol while deployed at a major wildfire in Washington state.
José Bertin Cruz-Estrada, separated from his family, is speaking out from Mexico for the first time:
“I feel betrayed ... What am I going to do now?"
José Bertin Cruz-Estrada, separated from his family, is speaking out from Mexico for the first time:
“I feel betrayed ... What am I going to do now?"
US firefighter detained on the job speaks out after deportation: ‘I feel betrayed’
Exclusive: Border patrol arrested José Bertin Cruz-Estrada while he was battling a wildfire in Washington. He is now in Mexico, separated from his family in Oregon
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:04 PM
NEW: The US has deported a longtime Oregon firefighter who was arrested by Border Patrol while deployed at a major wildfire in Washington state.
José Bertin Cruz-Estrada, separated from his family, is speaking out from Mexico for the first time:
“I feel betrayed ... What am I going to do now?"
José Bertin Cruz-Estrada, separated from his family, is speaking out from Mexico for the first time:
“I feel betrayed ... What am I going to do now?"
When the (hubby's) family group text is discussing Prop 4... it's my moment to shine!
November 4, 2025 at 9:55 PM
When the (hubby's) family group text is discussing Prop 4... it's my moment to shine!
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Editor-in-Chief @gusbova.bsky.social introduces our Nov/Dec 2025 issue: "Books. That’s right—it’s 2025, and I’m using the medium of a print magazine to talk to you about the even longer words-on-paper form that is the book. Why?"
Editor's Letter: Introducing Our November/December 2025 Issue
A note from the editor-in-chief
www.texasobserver.org
November 1, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Editor-in-Chief @gusbova.bsky.social introduces our Nov/Dec 2025 issue: "Books. That’s right—it’s 2025, and I’m using the medium of a print magazine to talk to you about the even longer words-on-paper form that is the book. Why?"
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
CBP's usually moribund "Accountability and Transparency" page just posted 7 notifications about migrant deaths.
www.cbp.gov/newsroom/acc...
www.cbp.gov/newsroom/acc...
Accountability and Transparency
Securing America's Borders
www.cbp.gov
October 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM
CBP's usually moribund "Accountability and Transparency" page just posted 7 notifications about migrant deaths.
www.cbp.gov/newsroom/acc...
www.cbp.gov/newsroom/acc...
During a forum about water held today in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, demonstrators protested the participation of the Israeli water company Mekorot. The state water utility (JCAS) and Juarez water utility (JMAS) have both promoted partnering with Israeli companies to address local water problems.
October 22, 2025 at 7:12 PM
During a forum about water held today in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, demonstrators protested the participation of the Israeli water company Mekorot. The state water utility (JCAS) and Juarez water utility (JMAS) have both promoted partnering with Israeli companies to address local water problems.
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
A decade ago, Douglas Menjivar became a whistleblower and activist after he was raped in ICE detention.
He married a US citizen, but wasn't able to get a green card.
In June, agents arrested him just before his 50th birthday. 🧵
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
He married a US citizen, but wasn't able to get a green card.
In June, agents arrested him just before his 50th birthday. 🧵
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
Trump's ICE Arrested a Whistleblower Who Exposed Sexual Assault in Detention. Now, He’s Left the Country.
Douglas Menjivar is a survivor and activist. He’s also married to a U.S. citizen, but he was caught up in the president’s mass deportation agenda anyway.
www.texasobserver.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:12 PM
A decade ago, Douglas Menjivar became a whistleblower and activist after he was raped in ICE detention.
He married a US citizen, but wasn't able to get a green card.
In June, agents arrested him just before his 50th birthday. 🧵
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
He married a US citizen, but wasn't able to get a green card.
In June, agents arrested him just before his 50th birthday. 🧵
www.texasobserver.org/trump-ice-ar...
lots of fighter jets flying over my house in El Paso today! wonder what that could mean...
October 16, 2025 at 7:25 PM
lots of fighter jets flying over my house in El Paso today! wonder what that could mean...
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
In 2024, I wrote a story for Texas Monthly about Michelle Haas, whose complaints resulted in the removal of books about slavery from historic Texas slave plantations. Haas sued us, alleging defamation, and was represented by the preferred lawyer of billionaire J.P. Bryan. Today, we won on appeal.
October 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
In 2024, I wrote a story for Texas Monthly about Michelle Haas, whose complaints resulted in the removal of books about slavery from historic Texas slave plantations. Haas sued us, alleging defamation, and was represented by the preferred lawyer of billionaire J.P. Bryan. Today, we won on appeal.
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
New report examines fossil fuel ties of dozens of Trump administration hires.
grist.org/accountabili...
#FossileFuel #Climate #Oil #Gas #Policy
grist.org/accountabili...
#FossileFuel #Climate #Oil #Gas #Policy
New report examines fossil fuel ties of dozens of Trump administration hires
Public Citizen and the Revolving Door Project found 43 fossil-fuel industry insiders among nominees and appointees to agencies charged with enforcing energy and environmental policy.
grist.org
October 14, 2025 at 1:25 PM
New report examines fossil fuel ties of dozens of Trump administration hires.
grist.org/accountabili...
#FossileFuel #Climate #Oil #Gas #Policy
grist.org/accountabili...
#FossileFuel #Climate #Oil #Gas #Policy
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Breast cancer, dizziness, headaches: El Paso residents ask if a warehouse’s toxic emissions are to blame.
grist.org/accountabili...
#Cancer #Health #Chemicals #Texas #TX #Environment
grist.org/accountabili...
#Cancer #Health #Chemicals #Texas #TX #Environment
Breast cancer, dizziness, headaches: El Paso residents ask if a warehouse's toxic emissions are to blame
After a Grist investigation revealing exposure to the carcinogen ethylene oxide, El Paso residents confront troubling questions about their health.
grist.org
October 14, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Breast cancer, dizziness, headaches: El Paso residents ask if a warehouse’s toxic emissions are to blame.
grist.org/accountabili...
#Cancer #Health #Chemicals #Texas #TX #Environment
grist.org/accountabili...
#Cancer #Health #Chemicals #Texas #TX #Environment
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
For at least two days last month, federal workers could not clean up the black oily goop in this Louisianan town beca of funding issues and a legitimate threat of gun violence.
My latest:
My latest:
For Black Louisianans, health fears mount as federal crews face delays, threats, and funding shortfalls at the oil disaster site.
An Explosion Left a Black Town Contaminated. Politics Are Stunting the Cleanup.
For Black Louisianans, health fears mount as federal crews face delays, threats, and funding shortfalls at the oil disaster site.
capitalbnews.org
October 1, 2025 at 3:21 PM
For at least two days last month, federal workers could not clean up the black oily goop in this Louisianan town beca of funding issues and a legitimate threat of gun violence.
My latest:
My latest:
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
More than 230,000 Texans working for the government, including members of the military, will cease to receive a paycheck — and won't be repaid until the shutdown ends. bit.ly/46xTQjk
October 1, 2025 at 3:40 PM
More than 230,000 Texans working for the government, including members of the military, will cease to receive a paycheck — and won't be repaid until the shutdown ends. bit.ly/46xTQjk
I've been saving the latest Dallas Fed survey on the oil and gas industry to read when I need a little treat... here we go!
September 30, 2025 at 9:23 PM
I've been saving the latest Dallas Fed survey on the oil and gas industry to read when I need a little treat... here we go!
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Efraín Fueres, an Indigenous land defender, was shot and killed in Ecuador on Sunday while marching in protest of high living costs and government crackdowns on Indigenous and environmental activists. 🧵
insideclimatenews.org/news/2909202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/2909202...
Indigenous Land Defender Killed in Ecuador as Government Cracks Down on Environmental and Human Rights Activists - Inside Climate News
Efraín Fueres was gunned down Sunday while marching in protest against high costs of living and government crackdowns that include freezing the bank accounts of activists and suspending a media organi...
insideclimatenews.org
September 29, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Efraín Fueres, an Indigenous land defender, was shot and killed in Ecuador on Sunday while marching in protest of high living costs and government crackdowns on Indigenous and environmental activists. 🧵
insideclimatenews.org/news/2909202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/2909202...
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Are you interested in covering politics in the Lone Star State? The Texas Observer is hiring an intern to help us cover the 2026 elections! Apply here:
Work for the Texas Observer
We’re a nonprofit with a strong public service mission; we seek to expose injustice and to produce the kind of impact journalism that makes a difference.
www.texasobserver.org
September 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Are you interested in covering politics in the Lone Star State? The Texas Observer is hiring an intern to help us cover the 2026 elections! Apply here:
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
EXCLUSIVE: A new analysis by The Xylom's @alexip718.com shows for the first time just how much America’s top research institutions have grown to depend on H-1B skilled workers — and how this delicate balance might be disrupted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on legal immigration.
The Most Detailed Maps of H-1B Visa Holders Joining America's Top Research Institutions
A new analysis by The Xylom shows for the first time just how much America’s top research institutions have grown to depend on the specialized knowledge of H-1B skilled workers — and how this…
www.thexylom.com
September 25, 2025 at 4:08 PM
EXCLUSIVE: A new analysis by The Xylom's @alexip718.com shows for the first time just how much America’s top research institutions have grown to depend on H-1B skilled workers — and how this delicate balance might be disrupted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on legal immigration.
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Immigration agents collected DNA samples from about 2,000 U.S. citizens who were stopped at border checkpoints over a four-year period, even though hundreds were not charged, Georgetown University researchers said in a report. Its authors argued that the agents exceeded their authority.
Immigration Agents Collected U.S. Citizens’ DNA at Border Checkpoints
A report said DNA collected at checkpoints from about 2,000 Americans, mostly during the Biden administration, was sent to an F.B.I. database. Hundreds were not charged.
nyti.ms
September 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Immigration agents collected DNA samples from about 2,000 U.S. citizens who were stopped at border checkpoints over a four-year period, even though hundreds were not charged, Georgetown University researchers said in a report. Its authors argued that the agents exceeded their authority.
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Wherein I interview a one-time #Texas oilman and learn about the massive mess left behind when his company collapsed.
It's also a glimpse into how oil wells get orphaned and how New Mexico may be on the hook for $1.6 billion in cleanup costs in coming years.
capitalandmain.com/new-mexicos-...
It's also a glimpse into how oil wells get orphaned and how New Mexico may be on the hook for $1.6 billion in cleanup costs in coming years.
capitalandmain.com/new-mexicos-...
September 17, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Wherein I interview a one-time #Texas oilman and learn about the massive mess left behind when his company collapsed.
It's also a glimpse into how oil wells get orphaned and how New Mexico may be on the hook for $1.6 billion in cleanup costs in coming years.
capitalandmain.com/new-mexicos-...
It's also a glimpse into how oil wells get orphaned and how New Mexico may be on the hook for $1.6 billion in cleanup costs in coming years.
capitalandmain.com/new-mexicos-...
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Sign the petition and tell @propublica.org our members deserve a fair contract!
actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
Monday night our colleagues, along with supporters from unions at Business Insider, @newyorkerunion.bsky.social, NY Times and @law360union.bsky.social, gathered outside the @ire.org 50th anniversary gala to distribute flyers supporting our contract campaign.
www.propublicaguild.org/updates/help...
www.propublicaguild.org/updates/help...
Help us accelerate our contract campaign! — ProPublica Guild
We’re returning to the bargaining table for the first time in months this week, and we’re calling on management to quickly agree to a fair contract that includes industry-standard “just cause” job pro...
www.propublicaguild.org
September 17, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Sign the petition and tell @propublica.org our members deserve a fair contract!
actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
Excellent reporting from Bloomberg on the produced water problem in the Permian Basin and the Railroad Commission's recalcitrant response.
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
Texas Oil Boom Leaves a Toxic Legacy of Its Own Making
Toxic wastewater is spreading across America’s biggest oil field, posing a pressing threat to a basin that has grown into a cornerstone of global markets
www.bloomberg.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Excellent reporting from Bloomberg on the produced water problem in the Permian Basin and the Railroad Commission's recalcitrant response.
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
I spoke with the @sejorg.bsky.social Journal about our @insideclimatenews.org reporting project "State of Denial" from 2023 that was awarded second place in their investigative reporting category. My advice: public records, public records, public records.
www.sej.org/publications...
www.sej.org/publications...
Teaming Up To Tap Into Texas Regulatory Capture
When reporters from Inside Climate News and The Texas Tribune teamed up on a multipart series about Texas environmental regulators, they found state agencies sidestepping science, the law and accounta...
www.sej.org
September 17, 2025 at 10:31 PM
I spoke with the @sejorg.bsky.social Journal about our @insideclimatenews.org reporting project "State of Denial" from 2023 that was awarded second place in their investigative reporting category. My advice: public records, public records, public records.
www.sej.org/publications...
www.sej.org/publications...
Reposted by Martha Pskowski
Three environmental defenders were murdered or disappeared, on average, each week in 2024, a new report says.
insideclimatenews.org/news/1609202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1609202...
An Average Week in 2024: Three Environmental Defenders Murdered or Disappeared - Inside Climate News
The mining industry is the sector linked to the most attacks against people trying to protect the environment and their homelands.
insideclimatenews.org
September 16, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Three environmental defenders were murdered or disappeared, on average, each week in 2024, a new report says.
insideclimatenews.org/news/1609202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1609202...