AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — How science textbooks in Texas address climate change is at the center of a key vote expected Friday after some Republican education officials criticized books for being too negative toward fossil fuels in America's biggest oil and gas state. Science standards adopted by the board's conservative majority in 2021 do not mention creationism as an alternative to evolution. But some Republicans on the 15-member board this week waved off current textbook options as too negative toward fossil fuels and for failing to include alternatives to evolution. Scientists overwhelmingly agree that heat-trapping gases released from the combustion of fossil fuels are pushing up global temperatures, upending weather patterns and endangering animal species. She said their organization had identified only two textbooks that would not meet the standards set in 2021.

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Persons: Republican Wayne Christian, ”, Glenn Branch, Branch, Aaron Kinsey, ” Kinsey, Aicha Davis, “, Emily Witt Organizations: Texas State, of Education, Republican, National Center, Science Education, Hearst Newspapers, Science Teaching Association, Texas Freedom Network Locations: AUSTIN, Texas, ” Texas, West Texas, U.S