Lamson Institute

15 References Great Depression, Main article: Climate of Houston Texans have historically had difficulties traversing Texas due to the state's large size and rough terrain Texas has compensated by building both America's largest highway and railway systems in length the regulatory authority the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains the state's immense highway system regulates aviation and public transportation systems. . . .

. 140 Armando Walle Democratic 2008 North Houston and Aldine east of I-45 Paul Knight of the Houston Press in a 2009 article said "some say natural gas has surpassed crude as king in East Texas.". . Houston has hosted several major sports events: the 1968 1986 and 2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Games; the 1989 2006 and 2013 NBA All-Star Games; Super Bowl VIII Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl LI as well as hosting the 1981 1986 1994 and 1995 NBA Finals winning the latter two and co-hosting the 2005 World Series and 2017 World Series winning the latter NRG Stadium hosted Super Bowl LI on February 5 2017, Background 5.1 Air pollution Houston is well known for its oil and petrochemical industries which are leading contributors to the city's economy the industries located along the ship channel coupled with a growing population have caused a considerable increase in air pollution for the city each year Houston has excessive ozone levels and is ranked among the most ozone-polluted cities in the United States. Ground-level ozone or smog is Houston's predominant air pollution problem in 2011 Houston was ranked as the 17th most polluted city in the US according to the American Lung Association a 2007 assessment found the following twelve air pollutants to be definite risks to health in Houston:. . Away from the coast the terrain begins to exhibit the rolling hills of East and Central Texas Toward Central Texas the mixed pine and hardwood forests give way to the East Central Texas forests of post oak and grasslands.