New study: Coal power plants contributed to 27,000 ‘excess deaths’ of Texans from 1999-2020
Researchers say U.S. air pollution is twice as deadly as previously thought
Executive Director, Environment Texas Research & Policy Center
Started on staff: 1998
B.A., University of Southern California
As the director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air, clean water, clean energy and open space. Luke has led successful campaigns to win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; to compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at three Texas refineries and chemical plants; and to boost funding for water conservation and state parks. The San Antonio Current has called Luke “long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state.” He has been named one of the “Top Lobbyists for Causes” by Capitol Inside, received the President’s Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks, and was chosen for the inaugural class of “Next Generation Fellows” by the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law at UT Austin. Luke, his wife, son and daughter are working to visit every state park in Texas.
Researchers say U.S. air pollution is twice as deadly as previously thought
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve protects habitat for endangered Golden Cheeked Warblers and other species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Texas Kangaroo Rat as an endangered species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing two unique catfish, the Widemouth Blindcat and the Toothless Blindcat, as endangered species
The $1 billion state parks fund got most of the attention, but local governments from Allen to Travis County also made big investments in outdoor recreation.