Home Care In Round Mountain, TX

Could the green energy revolution start in one of the reddest states?

For nearly a decade, Bill Addington has been keeping a wary eye on a project that could drastically alter the landscape of Sierra Blanca, the small West Texas mountain town he calls home. Back in 2014, Texas Mineral Resources Corporation acquired a 950-acre mineral lease at Round Top Mountain from the General Land Office, the agency that oversees the state’s natural resources. Buried deep in the mountain’s geological layers are substances like beryllium, uranium, yttrium, and thorium, all crucial for developing products like renewable energy generators, batteries for cars and cellphones, and GPS technology.

When the Round Top mining operation starts in full force, it will entail pulverizing the mountain’s rock and treating it with chemicals; the crushed rock and minerals will then sit in open pits, where they will soak in chemical solutions that separate the minerals from plain rock and dirt. Addington worries that the region’s groundwater could be poisoned if any of the pits leach into the soil. “We also have deep concerns about how toxic the materials they’re bringing up [are], and how the particles could be suspended in the air above our town,” he says. Beryllium, in particular, if inhaled as a particulate, can cause a host of chronic respiratory diseases.

Today, most of these metals are produced in East Asia. The United States imports roughly three-quarters of its supply from China, and politicians have long railed against that dependence. The Biden administration has thrown its support behind shoring up “critical minerals,” investing hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts for plants that would mine, sort, and process them in the US.

Along with the mining project, two rare-earth metal processing plants are slated to open in Texas within a few years. Combined, these projects could put the state at the forefront of the newly minted domestic industry. “The current administration’s push for these minerals is the need for all these components to transition to renewable energy sources,” says Brent Eliott, an economic geologist at the University of Texas. “The environmental and regulatory process, labor costs—it all makes it easier to import these materials from foreign sources.”

In other areas of the state, the critical minerals boom may already be in full swing. In Fort Worth, General Motors has partnered with MP Materials to open the country’s first rare-earth metal magnet facility. In a press release, the company states that it will be able to produce up to 500,000 electric vehicle magnets annually, processing nearly 1,000 tonnes of neodymium-iron-boron, which is used for things like motors and MRIs. The facility is located in an industrial park, surrounded by data centers and warehouses, and there appears to be little opposition to it. The company has promised to create 150 new high-paying jobs in exchange for a seven-year tax abatement. And while MP Materials stresses the importance of its magnets to shoring up renewable generation in the US, it will install 44 new natural gas generating units at its Fort Worth plant to power operations, according to permits filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

In 2021, Lynas, an Australian mining company, received two contracts from the Department of Defense, totaling $120 million, to develop rare-earth separation facilities on the South Texas coast. Details are sparse, but the plant may import rare-earth metals—including some that are radioactive—from its mines in Western Australia. Initial press releases from the Department of Defense stated that the company had chosen the small Hill Country town of Hondo as its home. The town’s mayor told the San Antonio Report that he and the city council were “surprised,” and had been unaware that the decision had been finalized when it was announced.

Residents sounded off on the city’s Facebook page after a company brochure detailing the project’s scope was posted on the account. Citizens expressed concerns about the plant’s impact on local air and water pollution and the possibility of radioactive waste. “When will it be discussed publicly? How can citizens learn more to better understand the process and the company’s intentions,” one resident commented. “Or is this decision already made, and we, as citizens, have no say?”

But by 2022, Lynas seemed to have chosen a different location for its plant—the company applied for tax breaks to build the facility in Calhoun County, an industrial corridor on the Gulf Coast. In an email, the mayor of Hondo confirmed to Sierra that Lynas has moved out of town but did not answer further questions about the decision. (The region’s reigning environmentalist, Diane Wilson, who has taken on most of the companies in town, said that she hasn’t heard about the plant at all. Other worries—like nuclear reactors being placed at the Dow Chemical Plant in the path of hurricanes—are top of mind for her.)

Mining and processing critical elements has long had a dirty reputation, and for good reason: In Chile’s Atacama Desert, lithium mining is drying up water sources that have nourished Indigenous communities and native flora and fauna for centuries. In China, abandoned mines with plastic pits of highly concentrated chemical solutions haven’t been cleaned up, leading to soil, air, and water pollution.

The three companies—Lynas, MP Materials, and Texas Mineral Resources—have touted their environmental track records and commitments to sustainability with US operations. Residents, of course, aren’t all convinced, despite the promise of jobs and economic growth. (None of the companies responded to requests for comment before publication.) “Rare-earth mining [and processing] is closer to uranium than it is to gravel or sandstone,” says Aaron Mintzes, a policy expert at the environmental watchdog group Earthworks. “The radioactive qualities make it riskier.”

In Texas, the Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas production in the state, would oversee any uranium mining operations; the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality would regulate air, water, and soil pollution associated with the plants. But the agencies don’t have a proven track record of handling radioactive waste and pollution—and companies might be able to avoid scrutiny from federal regulators, like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, since they’re not seeking to solely process uranium, Mintzes says. “The scariest part for me is the air pollution. When they crush the metal and ore, that dust goes up in the air and floats downstream.”

While the two processing plants appear to be done deals, for now, the mine in West Texas is still in an exploratory phase. In documents filed with the Security and Exchange Commission, the company has stated that the quantity of minerals at Round Top may make it an unprofitable enterprise. (A spokesperson for the company could not be reached by phone.) If the mine were to fail one day, it would join dozens of other boom towns turned ghost towns: old silver, copper, and mercury mining outposts nowadays host campers and adventurers soaking in stunning West Texas desertscapes.

“You know, people think we're just a dry desert when they drive through at 80 miles an hour,” says Addington, who has been fighting off ecologically damaging projects since the 1990s. “And that's why they look at us like we're a dumping ground. But this region, the whole Big Bend region, is a treasure.” The Chihuahuan Desert is the largest in North America, and it’s among the most biologically diverse desert ecosystems in the world.

Climate change is still top of mind for Addington, and he says he recognizes that displacing fossil fuels is a worthy goal. But he remains skeptical of the project. “Should we destroy that mountain, and pollute everyone downwind to make electric cars? I don’t think so. I think there have to be better solutions.”

Amal Ahmed is a journalist based in Dallas, covering climate and the environment. Previously, she was a reporter at the Texas Observer, and a fact-checker at Texas Monthly.

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Some destinations – like hidden beaches and wildflower trails – are best visited during a particular season. Many of the most scenic places in Texas, however, can be enjoyed year-round. This 259-mile Texas road trip leads to some of our state’s most iconic natural areas. It traverses the beautiful Texas Hill Country region, featuring everything from secluded wildlife refuges to hidden grottos. Before you go on one of the best Texas road trips, check out this customizable Google Map and adjust as you must. You should also check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List and Guide. This guide will help you best prepare for your upcoming adventure. Hop in the car and let’s go!

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Would you take this road trip to some of the most scenic places in Texas? What are some of your favorite Texas road trips? Tell us in the comments! Are you ready for another epic road trip? Check out this road trip that leads to some of the best hidden gems in Texas.

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Texas is one of the best states for a road trip. Not only are there miles and miles just waiting to be explored, but there are incredible scenic drives and attractions in Texas that you won’t want to miss. Here at Only In Your State, we have put together dozens of Texas road trips that we think you will enjoy. Some of our favorites that you should definitely add to your bucket list include:

Make sure that before you head on any road trip in Texas that you check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List and Guide. This guide will help you head on your adventure fully prepared and ready for anything that comes your way.

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Chase Bryant is officially a married man!

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the country artist wed model and entrepreneur Selena Weber in a hilltop ceremony in Round Mountain, Texas, PEOPLE confirms exclusively.

Witnessed by the couple's friends and families at a venue overlooking 30-mile views of Texas Hill Country, Bryant, 30, told PEOPLE ahead of the wedding that he couldn't wait to "see Selena for the first time. The first look will be the moment she walks down the aisle!"

Chase Bryant Gets Engaged to Girlfriend Selena Weber: 'Can't Wait to Spend Forever with You'

Weber, 29, added that she was most excited for the song in the air that moment: "Our string quartet [will be] playing 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Elvis Presley" during the walk down.

For her first look of the day, the bride, who was styled by Anne Reid Styling, donned a lace-accented Lillian West gown with a matching veil from Bridal House of Charleston, before changing into a classic sheath for the reception. Meanwhile, Bryant complemented his partner's look with a white suit and bolero tie, as well as a pair of Chelsea boots.

For something borrowed, Weber honored her best friend — who couldn't make the ceremony due to her pregnancy — by wearing her pal's veil from her own wedding. "She is due to have her first baby on the 24th!" Weber told PEOPLE.

The event planned by Amberly Adams-Thomas, owner of Blue Events & Co. saw some notable guests, including music producer Jon Randall and singer/songwriter Jessi Alexander, and featured florals by Wild Poppy.

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As for their pledge to each other during the big day, the couple chose to do traditional vows, sharing, that they would each "be writing each other a special note to read before the wedding."

Paying homage to Weber's hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, the pair decided to serve a twist on a shrimp and grits plate and a chicken dish with Southern fixings like jalapeño cornbread from Hank's Catering in addition to their dessert spread, featuring a local favorite from Round Rock Donuts in Texas.

Bryant and Weber's romance began after the two connected online through an exclusive dating app and became friends a couple of months before they met and fell in love. The two later got engaged a little over a year ago on Bryant's birthday, with the singer telling PEOPLE at the time, "I knew that I was going to want to ask her to marry me on my birthday because that was the only way I could trick her because you can't get anything past Selena."

"She's way too intuitive. I can't keep a secret from her. We tell each other everything," he explained with a laugh at the time.

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After two years of being together, the pair tied the knot over the weekend.

"We just moved back to Nashville and are settled in our new home with our three dogs," the couple told PEOPLE of their decision. "We both love the month of October so this date was perfect!"

The pair also shared they knew they were made for one another because they both "had a strong sense of familiarity with each other and a very instant deep connection."

A marriage feels right for the couple as the pair hope to form "a bond that lasts forever" and create "a family of our own."

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Discussing their guiding rules for keeping a strong relationship with PEOPLE, Bryant and Weber emphasized "being friends first!"

"We have such a strong friendship so we are able to be understanding of each other's personalities and feelings," they explained.

Given Bryant's busy schedule, the pair "will be waiting to do a honeymoon at a later date," he said, adding, "I will be in the studio recording my next album right when we get home."

Summer’s arrival means it’s time to adjust your wine selections to offset the sizzling temperatures. Try these crisp whites, chilled reds, and refreshing rosés from Texas vintners—along with a few recommended food pairings.

Red Wine

Big and Bold

These substantial wines deliver a range of powerful fruit, rustic earthiness, and weighty structure. Reserve these for summer ribeyes, peppery brisket, and fajitas from the grill.

2016 1851 Vineyards Alicante Bouschet, $35

Opulent and round with notes of cassis, strawberry, and leather.

2016 1851 Vineyards Tannat, $38

Notes of rich plum and blackberry cordial with a dusty, robust palate and a savory finish.

2015 Ab Astris Tannat, $49

Big and brawny with ripe black fruit, tobacco, leather, and chewy tannins that will soften with age.

2016 Fall Creek Vineyards ExTerra Mourvèdre, $100

Elegant and powerful, with notes of red pomegranate, cocoa, and earth.

2017 Hye Meadow Winery Aglianico, $42

Smoky, meaty, and grippy—with tart cherry notes and a lifted finish.

2016 Infinite Monkey Theorem Merlot, $25

Beautiful medley of black and red forest fruit with chewy grip and an earthy finish.

2017 Lost Draw Cellars Tannat, $55

Baked black boysenberry, ripe raspberry, and fresh tobacco. Good for aging.

2017 Stone House Cellars Claros (Norton), $35

Consistently intriguing wine made of American Norton grapes with rich purple fruit and coffee notes, and a lush, full body.

Fresh and Fruity

Replete with elegance and versatility, these wines are juicy and make for easy drinking. Enjoy them with pork tenderloin, pastas with fresh tomato and basil, or a thick burger.

2017 Burklee Hill Burnett (Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot), $36

Red fruit and florally fragrant with ripe palate, soft tannins, and an easy, pretty finish.

2017 Lewis Wines Tinto Cào, $22

Bright and juicy with notes of cranberry and spice. Makes for a light, refreshing finish.

2017 Llano Estacado Winery Cellar Reserve Tempranillo, $20

Aromas of blackberry cobbler, red flowers, and mocha lead to a rich, fruity palate with soft tannins.

2017 McPherson Cellars Tre Colore (Cinsault, Counoise, Viognier), $14

Notes of red raspberry cordial, vanilla, and cola with a fresh, easy palate.

2017 Rancho Lomo Vineyards Toro (Tempranillo), $28

Smooth, yet complex with notes of baked red fruit, mushroom, and savory herbs.

2017 William Chris Vineyards Cinsault , $30

Scented with pomegranate, raspberry, and cherry cola with refreshing floral notes.

White Wine

Light, Crisp, and Refreshing

These wines are fine to sip on their own, but their elegant acidity makes them ideal to enjoy with food. Bright and minerally with a touch of salinity, they’re best enjoyed with fresh seafood such as grilled shellfish or tangy summer salads.

2017 Brennan Vineyards Lily, $18

A wine for Pinot Grigio lovers with early pear, white peach, and hints of jasmine. The palate is dry and refreshingly tart.

2017 Lost Draw Cellars Roussanne, $24

High-toned lemon notes with white daisy and refreshing salinity.

2017 McPherson Cellars Albariño, $13

Bright and fruity with notes of orange blossom and tropical fruit.

2016 Pedernales Cellars Albariño, $30

Crisp and balanced with notes of yellow apple, lemon zest, and hints of tropical fruit and beeswax.

2018 William Chris Vineyards Mary Ruth, $28

Beautifully fragrant with jasmine and honeysuckle leading to a crisp, bone-dry palate with notes of ripe white peach

Vibrant, Yet Full-Bodied

Offering a little more roundness and weight, these wines offer a range of depth that pairs beautifully with salmon, barbecued chicken, or herbaceous summer pastas.

2017 Becker Vineyards Viognier Reserve, $25

Silky palate rich with juicy lemon pulp, green apple, and white flowers.

2018 Haak Winery Blanc du Bois Semi Dry, $19

Beautiful ripe stone fruit and orange blossom aromas, followed by a bright palate with a touch of sweetness.

2017 Lost Draw Cellars Marsanne, $24

Lush and round with fragrant aromas of yellow flowers and candied lemon peel.

2017 Lost Draw Cellars Viognier, $30

Blousy and rich with notes of lemongrass, yellow apple, and honeycomb.

2017 McPherson Cellars Les Copains White, $14

Soft and floral with ripe peach and playful minerality on the palate.

Rosé

Light and Dainty

Pale pink in the Provençal style, these rosés are energetic and refreshing with delicate fruit characteristics and bright structure. Pair these wines with appetizers such as melon and prosciutto, margherita pizza, or roasted beets with goat cheese.

2018 Burklee Hill Rosé, $21

Red raspberry, cranberry, and lemon zest frame delicate floral aromas, leading to a tart and zippy palate with a touch of tannic grip.

2018 C.L. Butaud Frenchy, $12

Candied pomegranate and tropical flowers lead to a tart, savory mid-palate and an easy finish.

2018 Fall Creek Vineyards Grenache Rosé, $30

Aromas of red berries, orange blossom, and toasted marshmallow make this a friendly summer rosé with a round mid-palate and a vibrant finish.

2018 Knipp Cellars Dandy Rosé, $20

Strawberries dusted with confectioner’s sugar on the nose, leading to a place rich with fruit and a beautifully round palate.

2018 Messina Hof Grenache Rosé, $19

Pretty and approachable, this wine offers notes of strawberries and cream with lemon zest and a faint touch of sweetness.

2018 RLV Tres Rosé, $24

Checks all the boxes for a quintessential Provence rosé—offering summer berries, fields of flowers, and a lovely round palate with vibrancy and balance.

Rich and Weighty

Deeper in color from longer contact with the skins of red grapes—just as you might find in the Rhône Valley region of Tavel—these wines beautifully bridge the gap for white and red wine lovers. In addition to richer fruit concentration, they offer greater structure with perceptible tannins. These are the wines for juicy cheeseburgers, charcuterie plates, and peppery smoked brisket—try it, you won’t regret it.

2018 Bending Branch Frizzante, $20

Lush red fruits and smoky dried herbs lead to a playful, effervescent palate with flavors of candied berries and a pleasantly tart finish.

2018 Bending Branch Tannat Rosé, $24

Brawny and racy, this wine reveals the powerful Tannat grape with ripe raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate amid an opulent, grippy structure.

2018 Duchman Family Winery Dry Rosé, $22

Deeply rich in color, this wine is lush with red fruit and dried summer herbs and offers a full palate with a touch of tannins.

2018 Lewis Wines Round Mountain Rosé, $25

Bright and floral with notes of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry palate with a crisp, yet rounded body.

2018 Llano Estacado Signature Rosé, $10

Approachable, yet weighty and powerful, this rosé is a perfect match for red wine lovers. Its magenta color belies opulent floral and forest berry aromas and a rich, firm palate structure.

2018 Ron Yates Grenache Rosé, $25

Beautifully balanced with hints of ripe tropical fruit commingling with ripe forest berries.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, my fourteen-year-old son and I pulled into the newest mountain bike park in Central Texas—Station Mountain, in the hilly lakeside hamlet of Marble Falls—with slight trepidation on my part. Though I spend a lot of time on my bike and once traversed the 3,014-mile perimeter of Texas, I prefer to stick to roads of asphalt or gravel. Luckily we weren’t there to put on a demonstration, just to preview the park and chat with its teenage owner and creator, Rhett Jones.

After speaking with Jones, we climbed to the top of the park on our bikes via the shuttle road that bisects the 129-acre property. Actually, my son ditched me halfway up to check out the jump lines near the bottom. After snapping a few shots of the rolling Hill Country views from on high, I less than gracefully descended through the park, doing the best I could on my gravel bike (learn from my mistake and bring a proper mountain bike, as my son did). Toward the bottom, I was happy to watch him zip along the easy-flow trail known as Low Tide. He assured me it would be perfectly doable on my bike. So I chased him through the jumps for a few laps, feeling the weight of my worries shaken out of me on my nonsuspension bike.

Station Mountain, which opened on November 3, would be an impressive addition to Central Texas’s growing mountain biking scene even if its creator weren’t still in high school. The property is crisscrossed by twenty trails that climb 370 vertical feet. It also offers continuous shuttle service to whisk riders back up to the top. The park builds on the success experienced by nearby Spider Mountain Bike Park, which opened in 2019. Located about thirty minutes north of Station Mountain, in Burnet, Spider Mountain has become a winter destination for riders from outside Texas. “It is the only year-round lift-accessed mountain bike park in the country,” said Wiley Mosley, an account executive with Giant Bicycles and a member of Team Super Awesome, an Austin cycling team. Riders can also explore such nearby spots as Reveille Peak Ranch and Rocky Hill Ranch, as well as the multiple trails in or near Austin, such as Walnut Creek and Brushy Creek. In short, there’s never been a better time to mountain bike in Texas.

Station Mountain began as a school project for Jones, who has been biking seriously for about three years, riding seven days a week. He’s a senior at Alpha High School, a private school in downtown Austin, where every student is tasked with creating a “Masterpiece”—an audacious or “Olympic Level” project. (His peers have set out to launch a clothing line, create a TV show, and teach one million kids the game of chess, among other pursuits.) Not unlike start-up founders on Shark Tank, each student starts with a clear, one-line goal statement. “I’m building the world’s best bike park by building Texas’s best bike park as my first step,” Jones said in a video on Alpha’s YouTube channel.

Astoundingly, Jones opened the park less than a year after beginning the planning process. “I was like, ‘All right, screw it,’ ” he said. “I’m gonna go make a business. I don’t care what anyone says; we’re making this happen.” He wrote his business plan in January 2023 before moving on to raising $358,000 and securing suitable land. Then came the design phase, followed by construction, which began in July. He did all this while attending school and during summer vacation, drawing inspiration from other entrepreneurs, including his father (who owns a small business) and mentors at school. “I’ve read all these stories about high schoolers who founded businesses,” Jones said. “And I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s so cool. I want to be that guy.’ ”

To raise funds for the park, Jones employed a classic hustle mindset with a modern twist. He sent his pitch deck to local founders and entrepreneurs, using those initial contacts to land Zoom calls. On those calls, he gathered advice on how to strengthen his pitch. “I spent like three hundred hours making a pitch deck that you could read in two minutes,” he said. Then, on LinkedIn, he messaged any investor who also seemed to have an interest in mountain biking. The vast majority ignored Jones, but that didn’t faze him. “I messaged about four hundred people and got five responses and two investors out of it,” he said. Jones also sent Twitter direct messages and posted in Facebook mountain biking groups. Eventually he was able to cobble together the entire $358,000.

Raising money was difficult, but finding a place to build the park was an entirely different problem. Jones scoured real estate maps and found 123 privately owned (not necessarily for sale) ranches that had more than three hundred feet of elevation within two hours of Austin. “I sent every single one of them emails, handwritten envelopes, and cold calls, the whole thing,” he said. “One-twenty-three of the one-twenty-three said no.” After narrowing his search to property that was actually for sale with his desired specs, he found the land that is now home to Station Mountain. Jones was able to make a lower-cost lease deal that gives the landowner equity in the company. “It’s a locked-lease deal, so as long as I sustain payments they can’t sell or do anything to the property,” he explained.

Once Jones had secured the land, he set out to design the park. He wanted Station Mountain to offer options for all riders of all levels, from beginner to expert. “We have everything, from the greenest of the green trails to the biggest jumps in the whole state,” he said. His vision included specific elements that he’d always dreamed of riding. “I wanted to make a superlong jump run, which we have built. It’s called Seventy-five Hits,” he said, in honor of the impressive number of jumps riders will fly over as they traverse the three-sectioned path.

Trail construction lasted four months, with a crew of twelve full-time trail builders and nearly a hundred volunteers moving dirt. Unlike nearby Spider Mountain, with its year-round chairlift, Station Mountain has a system of trailers and trucks to get riders to the action. “We have three shuttle trucks that each hold twenty-four bikes and people that drive you out from the bottom, all the way to the top,” Jones explained. Riders choose from trails that offer spiderwebs of flow (smooth, machined trails with berms and jumps) or others that are technical (hand-cut or natural trails that can be rocky and ridden slower). Before dropping in, they are soothed by beautiful Hill Country vistas in multiple directions. Though Jones is staying tight-lipped about any future additions to the park, he wants to use the early days of being open to hear from riders. “We’re going to fix so much after opening weekend,” he said, sharing that around 350 people visited in the first three days. “If people don’t like that berm or that jump, we’re gonna go in and change, like, a hundred things.”

For those who don’t want the fun to end, tent and RV camping are available at the park, and several vacation rentals are nearby. A food truck, slinging tacos, coffee, and drinks, will also be on-site for hungry riders who don’t want to venture into town between runs. Marble Falls is a short nine miles away for supplies or food, including three breweries (my son and I had lunch at Bear King Brewing after our session). While these extras are fun, Jones wants to keep his focus on the riding experience. “I want to make sure people enjoy the park, whether that’s through the amenities or through the trails. But for me, I definitely want to make sure that we have proper trails that are always maintained,” he said.

Obviously, mountain biking is alive and well in the region, but it still has more to do to catch up with the big dogs. “We have solid trips and people visit here, but it’s not like Arkansas . . . yet,” said Jones. While it seems unlikely that Central Texas’s mountain biking offerings will surpass those of Bentonville, the addition of Station Mountain further elevates a scene that was already on the rise. I asked Jones to share his five-to-ten-year vision. “Maybe I’ll have the world’s best bike park by then,” he said, “but for now I’m just focused on Station Mountain. This is my baby. It’s kind of crazy seeing this come to life. It’s awesome.”