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May 1, 2012

ECONOTES 2012-04-30: Environmental Headlines for the Houston Region

Featured

  1. Standard for Benzene Levels in Texas (Vicki Wolf – C.L.E.A.N., April, 2012)
    Unacceptable Only in Texas would a Houston mayor’s task force declare that current levels of exposure to benzene pose unacceptable increased risk for public health in one year, and in the next year the state agency responsible for protecting the environment and public health increases acceptable levels for exposure to the toxic pollutant. Recent studies continue to confirm that benzene exposure at these levels is too risky for public health.
    www.cleanhouston.org
  2. Why We Don’t Drink More Waste Water (Terrence Henry – StateImpact, 04/24/2012)
    As water becomes scarcer in Texas, new solutions are discussed, including desalination, conservation, and new reservoirs. One more solution that is not as widely discussed is treating wastewater. By focusing on using treated wastewater, municipal water supplies could increase by 27%. This method is safe, efficient, ecologically sound, and sensible, but there are psychological barriers that prevent citizens from advocating for this method.
    http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2012/04/24/op-doc-taking-the-waste-out-of-wastewater/
  3. Texans might see cooler summer, lower electricity use (Fuel Fix, 04/24/2012)
    Forecasters are predicting lower Texas temperatures this summer due to the possibility of El Nino. This could mean less energy use and demand. May will probably be warmer than normal, but then the pattern could shift from last year’s record-breaking summer.
    http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/04/24/texans-might-see-cooler-summer-lower-electricity-use/
  4. Galveston Island Tree Conservancy Arbor Day Event (Jim Guidry – Guidry News, 04/29/2012)
    The Galveston Island Tree Conservancy held its first major fundraiser on the 27th. This was part of a project to plant 5,000 trees a year to help replace the more than 40,000 that were killed by Hurricane Ike. The ceremony included a tree planting and dedication of a tree sculpture donated by Robert Lynch in honor of his grandmother Fannie Adoue. http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000042840d

EcoNotes