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COVID transmission rates indicate Houston may be past omicron peak

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COVID transmission rates indicate Houston may be past omicron peak

We’ve reached the Omicron peak in the Houston area. The hope is we will move past it soon.

However, we can’t get ahead of ourselves and celebrate for two reasons: There are still a lot of people infected with the virus. The number of children hospitalized has not gone down yet.

“Right now, with respect to hospitalizations, we’re still at peak,” said Dr. Jim Versalovic, COVID-19 Command Center co-leader at Texas Children’s Hospital. “The reality is, we know the children under five are wholly unvaccinated, and that we have an extremely contagious variant that is still rapidly spreading throughout our region.”

According to the city of Houston Health Authority, Dr. David Persse, omicron in the adult population is going down. The proof is in the wastewater. There’s less of the virus being detected in waste. Therefore, we are hitting the peak of the omicron surge earlier than predicted.

That’s certainly moving in the right direction, but with a lot of people still in the hospital or sick with symptoms at home, experts stop short of saying the surge will go down as fast as it went up.

According to SETRAC, there are 3,122 people in the hospital across 25 southeast Texas counties. Officials said 547 of the patients are in the ICU, and 141 pediatric patients are also hospitalized.

“We anticipate that we will be vaccinating many more young adolescents and boosting more adolescents in the days and weeks ahead,” said Dr. Versalovic.

Those with a booster shot are 90% less likely to need hospitalization, according to a new CDC report. Dr. Persse confirms that’s accurate for patients across our hospital systems as well.

Source: click2houston

Free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing available at dozens of Houston Health Department-affiliated sites week of January 24, 2022

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Free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing available at dozens of Houston Health Department-affiliated sites week of January 24, 2022

The Houston Health Department is announcing the schedule for sites offering free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing during the week of January 24, 2022.

More than 20 sites offering vaccinations and more than 30 testing sites are on the schedule for the week.

Vaccination and testing at health department-affiliated sites does not require proof of residency, citizenship, or insurance.

Site locations, schedules, and appointment information is available at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

Fixed Vaccination Sites

Any dose of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available at the department’s fixed sites, located at:

  • Acres Home Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.
    • Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 W. Fuqua St.
    • Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 North Main St.
    • Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Magnolia Multi-Service Center, 7037 Capitol St.
    • Thursdays: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
    • Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Northside Health Center, 8504 Schuller Rd.
    • Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Sharpstown Health Services, 6201 Bonhomme Rd.
    • Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star Dr.
    • Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunnyside Health Center, 4605 Wilmington St.
    • Mondays, Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Tuesdays, Fridays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • PlazAmericas, 7500 Bellaire Blvd.
    • Mondays-Saturdays: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pop-up Vaccination Sites

The department and its partner agencies will offer Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations at a pop-up site located at:

  • Cuney Homes, 3260 Truxillo St., 77004
    • January 24, 2022: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • University of St. Thomas, 4102 Yoakum Blvd., 77006
    • January 25, 2022: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • University of Houston – Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., 77058
    • January 25, 2022: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Grissom Elementary, 4900 Simsbrook Dr., 77045
    • January 26, 2022: 5-7 p.m.
  • Bastian Elementary School, 5051 Bellfort Ave., 77033
    • January 27, 2022: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Southmayd Elementary School, 1800 Coral St., 77012
    • January 27, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
  • Bellfort Academy Elementary School (Pre-K Center), 7647 Bellfort Ave., 77061
    • January 28, 2022: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Woodson PK-5 School, 10720 Southview St., 77047
    • January 28, 2022: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Whittier Elementary School, 10511 La Crosse St., 77029
    • January 29, 2022: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Pilgrim Academy, 6302 Skyline Dr., 77057
    • January 29, 2022: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Pugh Elementary School, 1147 Kress St., 77020
    • January 29, 2022: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Lyons Elementary School, 800 Roxella St., 77076
    • January 29, 2022: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 7843 Park Pl. Blvd., 77087
    • January 29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions, 3300 Carr St., 77026
    • January 29, 2022: 12-5 p.m.
  • Sunny’s Flea Market, 8705 Airline Dr., 77037
    • January 29-30, 2022: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, 2405 Navigation Blvd., 77003
    • January 30, 2022: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Luckyland, 8625 Airline Dr., 77037
    • January 30, 2022: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for ages 18 and up and Pfizer is authorized for ages 5 and up.

In-Home Vaccination

Free in-home COVID-19 vaccination is available to qualifying older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans.

People may call 832-393-4301 to about qualify for the program.

Testing Sites

The department and its partner agencies offer free COVID-19 testing sites across the city.

A list of testing sites and schedules is available at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

The CDC recommends people who have symptoms and most people who had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19 be tested for COVID-19 infection.

Vaccination and testing site schedules may shift during the week to meet community need. Find the latest information at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

Who killed Norman Edmiston?

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Who killed Norman Edmiston?

Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division need the public’s assistance identifying the suspect responsible for a Murder.

On Friday, January 14, 2022, Norman Edmiston was killed in the 1100 block of Elder St. in Houston, Texas. During the investigation, the victim was discovered with blunt force trauma to their head and neck at the location. The victim died as a result of the injuries they sustained during the incident.

The family of Norman Edmiston is requesting the community’s help with identifying the suspect responsible for this murder.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
VICTIM: NORMAN EDMISTON
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China mandates 3-day Olympic torch relay amid virus concerns

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China mandates 3-day Olympic torch relay amid virus concerns

China is limiting the torch relay for the Winter Olympics to only three days amid coronavirus worries, organizers said Friday.

The flame will be displayed only in enclosed venues that are deemed “safe and controllable,” according to officials.

No public transit routes would be disturbed and normal life would continue for the 20 million residents of the capital, where a handful of new COVID-19 cases have been recorded over recent days.

Beijing’s deputy sports director, Yang Haibin, said safety was the “top priority,” with the pandemic, venue preparations and the possibility of forest fires in Beijing’s cold, dry climate all factored in.

The relay will run from Feb. 2-4, taking in the three competition areas of downtown Beijing, the suburb of Yanqing, and Zhangjiakou in the neighboring province of Hebei.

The Games have already been impacted on a scale similar to that experienced by Tokyo during last year’s Summer Olympics.

China says only selected spectators will be allowed to attend the events, and Olympic athletes, officials, staff and journalists are required to stay within a bubble that keeps them from contact with the general public.

The opening of the Games comes just days after the start of the Lunar New Year holiday, China’s biggest annual celebration when millions traditionally travel to their hometowns for family reunions. For the second year, the government has advised those living away from home to stay put, and train and plane travel has been curtailed.

Participants in the torch rally will undergo health screens and be carefully monitored, starting from two weeks before the event begins, said Xu Zhijun, deputy head of the organizing committee.

Beijing reported its first local omicron infection on Jan. 15, and 11 cases had been confirmed in the capital as of Thursday afternoon, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Outside of Beijing, several million people remain under lockdown as part of China’s “zero-tolerance” approach to dealing with the pandemic that has been credited with preventing outbreaks on the scale of the U.S. and other countries.

Numbers of new cases have dropped substantially in recent days amid strict adherence to masking, travel restrictions and school closures, along with a vaccination rate that now tops 85%. Some medical experts worry a lack of exposure to the virus could harm the Chinese population’s ability to deal with future waves of infection.

The scaled-down torch relay is a far cry from 2008, when Beijing sent the Olympic icon on a global journey ahead of its hosting of that year’s Summer Games. The relay drew protesters against China’s human rights violations and policies in Tibet, Xinjiang and elsewhere, leading to violent confrontations and the cancellation of some overseas stages.

The Winter Games have been beset by similar political controversies, alongside medical considerations.

Six weeks ago, the United States, Britain and several allies said they would not send dignitaries to attend the Games as a protest against human rights abuses by the Communist Party regime.

Athletes have been threatened by the organizing committee with “certain punishments” for saying or doing anything that would offend their Chinese hosts, while several delegations urged anyone headed to Beijing to take “burner” phones instead of their personal devices because of concerns their personal information could be compromised.

The National Hockey League cited uncertainty caused by the pandemic to hold back all of its players from the Olympic tournament.

And earlier this week, American broadcaster NBC said it won’t be sending announcing teams to China, citing the same virus concerns raised when the network pulled most of its broadcasters from the Tokyo Games.

Source: click2houston

Pemex toma control de Deer Park; refinará crudo de Shell por 15 años

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Pemex toma control de Deer Park; refinará crudo de Shell por 15 años

Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) tomó este jueves la operación de la refinería de Deer Park, en Texas, luego de concluir la compra de la mitad de este activo a la angloholandesa Shell, a quien le comprará el crudo para procesar en esta planta durante los próximos 15 años, como parte del acuerdo de adquisición del 50.005% mediante el desembolso de 1,192 millones de dólares pactados originalmente para esta adquisición.

El director general de la estatal, Octavio Romero Oropeza, acompañado de directivos de Pemex y de Shell Oil Company, informó este jueves desde Texas que se cerró la operación para que el Estado mexicano se quede con la totalidad de esta planta.

En tanto, Royal Dutch Shell suministrará por al menos 15 años crudo a la refinería Deer Park, según un documento en manos de Reuters y una fuente con conocimiento del tema. Como parte del acuerdo de venta, Pemex absorberá a la mayor parte de los actuales trabajadores de la refinería durante dos años, según el documento y una de las fuentes.

Se espera que Shell suministre unos 200,000 barriles diarios de crudo extranjero y estadounidense a Deer Park durante al menos 15 años, según la fuente y el documento, fechado en julio. Una unidad de Pemex prevé aportar hasta 115,000 barriles por día de crudo mexicano a Deer Park y recibir unos 230,000 barriles diarios de productos refinados que podrían destinarse al mercado mexicano. La estatal acordó por separado suministrar materias primas a la planta química adyacente de Shell, dijo la fuente citada por Reuters.

La transacción financiera para la compra de la mitad de la refinería se concluyó en los términos pactados y anunciados en el mes de mayo pasado: el valor de la operación por los activos de la refinería es de 596 millones de dólares, equivalente al 50% de la participación de Shell en la deuda de la sociedad.

Adicionalmente se liquidó la deuda remanente por los 596 millones de dólares que corresponden al 50% de la participación de Pemex; los recursos para la operación fueron cubiertos por el Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura (Fonadin). Como se tenía previsto, la adquisición se concretó luego de que el pasado 22 de diciembre se informó que el Comité de Inversión Extranjera de Estados Unidos (CFIUS, por sus siglas en inglés) autorizó la operación de compra-venta al no haber identificado riesgos en materia de competencia ni de seguridad nacional para los Estados Unidos de América.

La petrolera del Estado detalló que al concluir la operación y en presencia del ingeniero Romero Oropeza, se llevó a cabo la primera sesión del Consejo de Administración de Deer Park, el cual quedó integrado por los siguientes funcionarios de Pemex: Ulises Hernández Romano, director general de PMI Comercio Internacional; Victor M. Navarro Cervantes, director corporativo de Planeación y Desempeño; Marcos M. Herrería Alamina, director corporativo de Administración Servicios; Jorge L. Basaldúa Ramos, responsable de Pemex Transformación Industrial, y Manuel Flores Camacho, director general de PMI Norte América.

Deer Park tiene capacidad de procesamiento de crudo de 340,000 barriles por día. Puede procesar crudo pesado y ligero sin generar combustóleo.

Source: eleconomista

Texas pipeline company walks back threat to cut off gas to power plants

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Texas pipeline company walks back threat to cut off gas to power plants

After threatening to cut off fuel to roughly a third of the power plants owned by Texas’ biggest power generator, a major pipeline company said Thursday it will continue selling natural gas to the plants through the end of March. But the companies have still not resolved their underlying financial dispute stemming from last February’s deadly winter storm.

Energy Transfer LP subsidiaries walked back their threat after Luminant, a Vistra Corp. subsidiary, on Wednesday asked state regulators to prevent the pipeline company from cutting off fuel to five Vistra power plants, which produce enough electricity to power 400,000 Texas homes, businesses and critical infrastructures such as schools and hospitals.

The pipeline companies had told Vistra that gas would stop flowing to the power plants on Monday unless Vistra paid Energy Transfer $21.6 million that they claim Vistra owes them, according to Vistra’s complaint to the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry.

The “threat to terminate service in the middle of winter is illegal and grossly irresponsible and should be prohibited by this Commission,” Vistra said in the complaint. It called the move by Energy Transfer, run by billionaire Kelcy Warren, “a form of commercial extortion.”

Energy Transfer responded Thursday in a short filing with the Railroad Commission, saying it would continue selling natural gas to Vistra on the spot market — a one-time open market transaction for immediate delivery of gas purchased “on the spot.”

That would nullify the Monday deadline imposed by Energy Transfer. Vistra has been paying those spot market prices to Energy Transfer since Dec. 1, when its long-term contract for gas expired, and Energy Transfer said it would not negotiate another contract until Vistra paid the $21.6 million.

For Vistra, paying spot prices means buying gas from Energy Transfer at between $15 and $25 per million British Thermal Units (BTUs), compared to the average national price of $3.91 per million BTUs in 2021, according to the Energy Information Administration.

During last year’s winter storm — which caused the near-total collapse of the state’s power grid, left millions without power for days and caused hundreds of deaths — natural gas prices soared when a combination of freezing temperatures across the state and skyrocketing demand shut down natural gas facilities and power plants, which rely on each other to keep electricity flowing.

Vistra spent approximately $1.5 billion for natural gas during the dayslong crisis, “twice its planned natural gas cost to fuel its entire Texas fleet for a full year,” the filing said.

Vistra said in its filing that more than $600 million of that total was paid to Energy Transfer, “which is more than 96% of all amounts invoiced by [Energy Transfer].”

While many companies lost money during the storm, Energy Transfer made $2.4 billion.

The dispute between the energy giants had some elected officials expressing their concerns publicly.

Railroad Commission Chair Wayne Christian tweeted about it on Thursday: “I am paying close attention to this. @EnergyTransfer and @VistraCorp must come together to resolve this issue so that no Texans lose gas or electric service during cold weather. Do what’s right for Texans.”

Shortly after, state Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, criticized Energy Transfer: “Gas suppliers should not be able to take the grid and consumers hostage as a means to prevail in their commercial disputes.”

After Energy Transfer said Thursday that it would not cut off gas to Vistra, Christian added: “I am thankful both parties were able to quickly come together to reach a resolution that keeps Texans protected this winter.”

Source: click2houston

Royal Dutch Shell plc changes its name to Shell plc

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Royal Dutch Shell plc changes its name to Shell plc

Shell plc (Shell) today confirmed its name has changed from Royal Dutch Shell plc to Shell plc.

Shell announced the Board’s decision to change its name to Shell plc on December 20, 2021. This change has now taken effect.

Euronext Amsterdam, the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange have been informed of this name change and it is anticipated that Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange will reflect the change of name on Tuesday January 25, 2022, while the New York Stock Exchange will follow on Monday January 31, 2022.

Shareholders should note that their shareholdings will be unaffected by the change of name and existing share certificates should be retained as they will remain valid for all purposes and no new share certificates will be issued.

The ISINs, SEDOLs, CUSIPs and ticker symbols of the company’s A shares and B shares and A ADSs and B ADSs will remain unchanged for the time being but will change in accordance with the remaining steps of the Simplification as set out in the announcement released on December 20, 2021. The Company’s Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) remains 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70.

Notes to editors:

Use of terms

The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement “Shell” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities.

Governor Abbott: Texas Again Sets Record High For Employment

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Governor Abbott: Texas Again Sets Record High For Employment
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the state of Texas smashed another all-time record for job creation by reaching 13,059,600 total jobs, surpassing all previous employment highs. Texas employers added 50,000 jobs over the month of December, marking jobs gains in 19 of the last 20 months, as the state unemployment rate fell to 5.0 percent.

“The Lone Star State has long led the nation in job creation as we attract more business investments and greater opportunity for working Texans each and every day,” said Governor Abbott. “Thanks to employers large and small, the future of Texas shines bright with the best workforce in America, and I look forward to continued partnerships with businesses and local leaders to keep our state the best place to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.”

CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY

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CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY

In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
The following individuals all have active warrants as of Thursday, November 12, 2021 at 9:00 am:
The following individuals all have active warrants as of Friday, January 21, 2022 at 9:30 am.
Agidigbi, Nduka
B/M  01/27/81       5’09 / 161 LBS         BRO / BLK
Trafficking of a Child, Compelling Prostitution <18, Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution <18, Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution, Trafficking a Person by Force/Fraud, Compelling Prostitution by Force/Threat/Fraud
Warrant #: 1715665, 1715666, 1648371, 1626582, 1601644, 1601643
Last known location: Houston, TX
Broussard, Jacques
B/M  08/01/90       5’11 / 155 LBS         BRO / BLK
Compelling Prostitution < 18 YOA, Trafficking of Child Prohibited Conduct, Criminal Mischief >=$2,500 <30K
Warrant #: 1670159, 16701580, 1670162
Last known location: Humble, TX
Burrell, Anthony
B/M  07/15/81       5’08 / 190 LBS         BRO / BLK
Trafficking of Child Prohibited Conduct, Compelling Prostitution < 18 YOA, Possession of Controlled Substance
Warrant #: 1654749, 1654750, 1649443
Last known location: Webster, TX
Cole, Imani  
B/F  02/07/97         5’03 / 170 LBS         BRO / BLK
Compelling Prostitution < 18 YOA, Trafficking of Child Prohibited Conduct, Possession of Controlled Substance
Warrant #: 1651065, 1651064, 1652959
Last known location: Houston, TX
Folie, Philip
B/M  12/30/97       6’00 / 210 LBS         BRO / BLK
Trafficking Person Benefit Force/Fraud, Compelling Prostitution By Force/Threat/Fraud
Warrant #: 1655497, 1655501
Last known location: Houston, TX
Mack, Cameron
B/M  05/21/98       6’04 / 185 LBS         BRO / BRO
Trafficking Person Prohibited Conduct Force/Fraud, Compelling Prostitution By Force/Threat/ Fraud
Warrant #: 1742728, 1742729
Last know location: Cypress, TX
Sierra, Juan Carlos
H/M  01/15/83       5’08 / 175 LBS         BLU / BRO
Trafficking Person Prohibited Conduct Force/Fraud
Warrant #1669203
Last known location: Houston, TX
Smith, Khalisah
B/F  05/17/01         5’07 / 120 LBS         BRO / BRO
Compel Prostitution-Force, Attempted Trafficking of Person, Promotion Prostitution Solicit
Warrant #: 1662043, 1662044, 1662042
Last known location: Houston, TX
Williams, Desmond
B/M  04/12/85       5’07 / 135 LBS         BRO / BLK
Aggravated Promotion Prostitution Person/s <18, Compelling Prostitution < 18, Trafficking of Child Prohibited Conduct
Warrant #: 1729257, 1729258, 1729260
Last known location: Houston, TX
Wilson, Jemil
B/M  07/31/92       5’07 / 150 LBS         BRO / BLK
Trafficking of Child Prohibited Conduct, Compelling Prostitution < 18 YOA
Warrant #: 1623244, 1623245
Last known location: Montgomery, TX
Report a Tip Now!

Houston Health Department expands air monitoring capacity with new mobile laboratory

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Houston Health Department expands air monitoring capacity with new mobile laboratory

The Houston Health Department is better equipped to monitor air quality during routine and emergency situations with a major new piece of equipment.

A second Mobile Ambient Air Monitoring Laboratory (MAAML), combined with a network of fixed-site monitors and other air monitoring tools, provide real-time data for regulators, emergency responders, and community members to make informed decisions about health and safety.

“It has definitely increased our capacity to help the community, to go to more sites more frequently, and to deploy to multiple events if needed,” said Nguyen Ly, environmental investigator with the health department’s bureau of pollution control and prevention. “If there was a disaster like a hurricane or a flood, we’re not trapped on one side of town. We can deploy throughout the city and get more data to communities quicker.”

The mobile labs routinely respond to air quality complaints like unusual odors, airborne particles, smoke, fumes, and other outdoor air pollution. They are also used for emergency situations like chemical plant or refinery fires.

Trained chemists analyze samples and results are obtained onsite in the field.

The new mobile lab is equipped with a meteorological station, a GPS locator, humidity detector, atmospheric pressure monitor, temperature gauge, and an infrared video monitor.

Benzene, 1,3-Butadiene, and other pollutants from petrochemicals are some of the toxins targeted by the MAAMLs in communities across Houston.

“We can go anywhere the pollution is occurring. We’re not relying on a monitor three or four miles away from the event to tell us how pollution is affecting that neighborhood,” said Ly.

The new mobile lab is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The department’s original mobile lab will undergo an upgrade to its air monitoring equipment through a grant funded by the Environmental Defense Fund.

Houstonians needing to report an air pollution concern can call the City of Houston 311 Helpline.

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