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April 1, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update March 26, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update March 26, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Support CEC with Workplace Giving

COALITION NOTES

  1. Buffalo Bayou Partnership at the OKRA Charity Saloon
  2. Public Comment – Transportation Improvement Program Projects
  3. Cypress Creek Greenway Initiative
  4. Going Green Sustainability Lecture: Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Your House
  5. Houston Green Film Series: Complete Streets in Film
  6. Alliance for Clean Texas (ACT) Lobby Day
  7. Root Ball 2013
  8. Texas Stream Team Certified Water Monitoring Training
  9. March Mart
  10. Fresh Air Friday
  11. River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash
  12. Earth Day GreenUp
  13. HANC Spring Fling

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Texas Bottle Bill Today
  2. Heights-Northside Mobility Study Public Meeting
  3. Weekly Bird Walk at Kleb Woods
  4. Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream – Educational Symposium
  5. Loblolly Pine Tree Seedlings
  6. 25,000 Fewer Tires — and Counting!
  7. Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program University Challenge
  8. 2013 WaterWeek
  9. The Flexible Workplace Initiative – Sloan Awards
  10. TCEQ’s The Advocate
  11. 2012 Annual Report on Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Texas
  12. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  13. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Drought conditions contribute to decline in monarch populations (Erin Mulvaney – Houston Chronicle, 3/14/2013)
  2. Need to check Houston smog levels? There’s an app for that (Greg Barr – Houston Business Journal, 3/20/2013)
  3. City response on “One Bin For All” (Houston Chronicle, 3/25/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Membership & Development Coordinator
  2. NEW! TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns
  3. NEW! TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator
  4. NEW! Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge seeks Summer Crew
  5. NEW! The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Part-time GIS Research Assistant
  6. NEW! The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks paid summer Intern
  7. NEW! Central Texas COG seeks Watershed Coordinator
  8. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Program Intern through ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program
  9. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Summer Projects Intern through Shell Nonprofit Internship Program
  10. Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program seeks Interns
  11. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a part-time Grants Billing Specialist
  12. Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator Interns (2 positions)
  13. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks full-time Volunteer Programs Coordinator
  14. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinatorjen@houstonparksboard.org
  15. Air Alliance Houston seeks Executive Director
  16. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator
  17. ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern
  18. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs Intern
  19. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders
  20. Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership seeks Watershed Director

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE with survey! Reader notes on bills:

  1. Texas Bottle Bill: HB 1473 Hearing today!
  2. Reporting Sanitary Sewer Overflows: HB 824 / SB 584
  3. Rainy Day Fund for Water Infrastructure: HB 11 / SB 4 / HB 19 / HB 227 / SB 22 / SB 235
  4. Climate Change: SB 78 / HB 378
  5. Fracking Water: HB 3315 / HB 2767 / HB 3537 / HB 2992 / HB 3147 / HB 3595 / SB 873

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

Support CEC with Workplace Giving

Do you work for United Airlines, HISD, Cy-Fair ISD, the City of Houston, Wells Fargo, Wal-mart, the State of Texas, or Houston Metro? These are just a few of the organizations that participate in the workplace giving program of EarthShare Texas. CEC–and several of its member groups–benefit when you participate. Visit www.earthshare-texas.org for more information.

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COALITION NOTES

  1. Buffalo Bayou Partnership at the OKRA Charity Saloon
  2. Cypress Creek Greenway Initiative
  3. Chimney Swift Counts
  4. Is Houston Solar-Ready?
  5. The Dog Walk – Hermann Park Conservancy
  6. Children’s Museum of Houston: April Showers Bring May Flowers
  7. Terry Hershey Bayou Stewardship Award
  8. Public Comment – Transportation Improvement Program Projects
  9. Arboretum at Night – Hawk Walk
  10. Coastal Heritage Preserve on Galveston Island

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Texas Bottle Bill. The Bill will be Heard on Tuesday! The refundable deposits bill (HB 1473) is now scheduled for a hearing. Many people have made great efforts to help the bill which strives to make Texas a cleaner state and more open to environmentally conscious entrepreneurs! Texas needs more jobs and cleaner waters, highways and playgrounds. The best way that individual taxpayers can help the bill now is to contact the legislators on the House Environmental Regulation Committee.
  2. Heights-Northside Mobility Study Public Meeting. The purpose of the Heights-Northside Mobility Study is to identify near and long range projects intended to promote better mobility, and to consider and to develop a multi-modal plan to accommodate cars, bikes and buses for streets within the study area. The area to be studied is known as the Heights-Northside study area and is bounded on the east by US 59, on the west and north by IH 610 and on the south by IH 10. Your participation is important. The City of Houston wants to hear about existing issues and challenges in your neighborhood in order to promote better mobility choices within the Heights-Northside Mobility study area. The public meeting will be held on March 26, 2013, 6-8pm, at Lamar Hall (1703 Heights Blvd). RSVP here.
  3. Weekly Bird Walk at Kleb Woods. Kleb Woods Nature Preserve is a county park in Tomball which opened in the 1990s. Visitors have compiled an impressive list of birds that they have seen on the property. You can join them at any of their walks, which generally happen each Wednesday (currently scheduled for 8:30am) plus on the first Saturday of each month at 8am. The next walk will take place on March 27, 2013, 8:30am-9:30am, at the Kleb Woods Nature Preserve. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  4. Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream – Educational Symposium. Where on earth are we going, and what can we do about it? The Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium is a profound inquiry into a bold vision: to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on Earth. The symposium will be held on March 30, 2013, at the Green Building Resource Center (1002 Washington Ave), from 9am-2pm. Learn more at http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/.
  5. Loblolly Pine Tree Seedlings. Harris County Sheriff’s Department has approximately 10,000 – 20,000 8″-10″ Loblolly Pine Tree seedlings to distribute to public projects on public land, or land with public access, in Harris County (parks, medians, bayou waterways). Trees are available for planting by the inmate worker program. If you are interested in getting more information please contact Rick Medina at rick.medina@sheriff.hctx.net.
  6. 25,000 Fewer Tires — and Counting! Thanks to a partnership between Bridgestone-Firestone and River Network, local river guardians have pulled some 25,000 tires out of streams over the past year via 80 stream cleanups across the U.S.! As part of Bridgestone’s goal to reclaim one tire for every tire sold, 100% of the tires will become part of playground surfaces or other beneficial everyday items. Does your community have a cleanup planned this spring or summer? Fill out the Community Event Request form and Bridgestone will collect your tires for free!
  7. Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program University Challenge. EPA is looking to academic institutions to help build a diverse portfolio of practical and replicable projects that benefit communities, the environment, academic institutions, and the TRI Program. EPA welcomes the submission of any project proposal that advances the knowledge, use and understanding of TRI data and related information. The deadline to submit applications is May 13, 2013. Learn more at http://www.epa.gov/tri/university/.
  8. 2013 WaterWeek. The WaterWorks Education Center is now accepting exhibitor reservations for the 2013 WaterWeek – April 29, 2013 through May 3, 2013. WaterWeek focuses on spreading insight into the importance of conserving drinking water resources. The week-long festival will be held at the WaterWorks Education Center. Applications are now being accepted for exhibitors. More than 1500 students and educators are expected to come through. Remember, exhibit space books up quickly, so act soon to reserve your space! Learn more and download a registration form at http://www.houstonwaterworks.org/#waterweek.
  9. The Flexible Workplace Initiative – Sloan Awards. The Flexible Workplace Initiative is pleased to invite local Houston and surrounding community employers that have distinguished themselves as leading practitioners of workplace flexibility in Houston, Texas and across the nation to apply for the Alfred P Sloan Award. The Sloan Awards are part of When Work Works, a research-based initiative to highlight how effective and flexible workplaces can yield positive business results and help employees succeed at work and at home. The deadline to apply is April 5, 2013. More at http://www.flexworks.org/.
  10. TCEQ’s The Advocate. The latest issue of TCEQ’s The Advocate (quarterly rules updates for small businesses and local governments) is now available. Read the issue at http://links.govdelivery.com/. The topics in this issue include:
    • Texas Leads the Way
    • Enforcement Criteria Changes for Wastewater Treatment Plants
    • Have You Started Your Testing for Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts?
    • Rule Changes for On-site Sewage Facilities (OSSFs)
    • Construction Stormwater Permit Renewed
    • Standard Permit for Concrete Batch Plants Amended
    • TCEQ Amends Permit by Rule to Include Medium- Sized Batch Mixers; and
    • Requirements for Used and Scrap Tire Generators.
  11. 2012 Annual Report on Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Texas. Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Texas: 2012 Annual Report is now available. It is jointly published by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB). The federal Clean Water Act requires States to develop a program to protect the quality of water resources from the adverse effects of nonpoint source water pollution. The Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program is the State’s comprehensive strategy for addressing nonpoint source water pollution. The 2012 Annual Report is the latest update on the progress toward achieving the goals and objectives of the Program.
  12. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). This week’s broadcast will include:
    • Bastrop, Back to Its Roots
    • Wyman Meinzer’s West Texas
    • Casting Call – Neighborhood Fishing Program
  13. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • March 26: Green–Good. Moderate winds, cold temperatures, and low background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • March 27: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • March 28: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

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ECONOTES Featured News Articles–For dozens of additional headlines, visit the CEC website. (You can let us know about articles, too. E-mail news@cechouston.org).

  1. Drought conditions contribute to decline in monarch populations (Erin Mulvaney – Houston Chronicle, 3/14/2013)
    Monarch butterfly populations have been fluttering away in the last decade, and a local expert points to Texas’ drought conditions and recent wildfires as key factors in the decline. The number of monarchs as well as milkweed plants, which are key to the insects’ survival, are in low supply. (Erin Mulvaney – Houston Chronicle)
    http://www.chron.com/
  2. Need to check Houston smog levels? There’s an app for that (Greg Barr – Houston Business Journal, 3/20/2013)
    Houston-area residents can now check their mobile phone for ozone levels. A partnership between the University of Houston, Air Alliance Houston and the American Lung Association has created “OzoneMap,” a free app for smartphones and tablets that delivers real-time air quality reports.
    http://www.bizjournals.com/
  3. City response on “One Bin For All” (Houston Chronicle, 3/25/2013)
    Laura Spanjian has answered many questions about the One Bin project. One Bin’s powerful metaphor is that everything is a resource and everything can be repurposed. This innovation is in some ways a natural progression for the recycling industry.
    http://blog.chron.com/

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GREEN JOBS Tell them you heard about it from us! Job listings can be found at CEC’s Green Jobs page.New

  1. NEW! Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Membership & Development Coordinator. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a full-time Membership & Development Coordinator. The Membership & Development Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for GBF members; manages the membership renewal program and direct mail efforts for new member acquisition; coordinates the database, submitting entries and updates and generating reports; plans and implements quarterly and annual membership meetings; oversees The CAST, GBF’s young professionals group; serves as coordinator for outreach events and represents GBF at booths and exhibits; and solicits funds for and prepares grant proposals in support of select GBF programs. Qualifications and abilities should include: a Bachelor’s degree (required); two or more years of professional experience in development and database management; grant writing experience; strong interpersonal skills; exceptional verbal and written communication skills; and ability to work some weekends. For a full job description, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs. To apply, email resume to sroark@galvbay.org  by April 12, 2013.
  2. NEW! TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns. The Wildlife Education interns will assist with Summer Wildlife Camp, conduct outreach and on-site education programming, assist in the Baby Bird Feeding Program and work with other TWRC Wildlife Center interns on a Summer Internship Action Team to develop and analyze education programming, complete individual service projects and address challenges presented by the Education Coordinator. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
  3. NEW! TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator. TWRC Wildlife Center is seeking a Junior Counselor Coordinator for its Summer Wildlife Camp. The paid intern will recruit, train, schedule, and supervise teenage summer camp counselors in education animal care, wildlife summer camps, birthday parties, outreach programs, summer wildlife workshops, and in-center baby bird rehabilitation. The Junior Counselor Coordinator will implement, analyze and improve the Junior Counselor program while working hands-on with native and exotic wildlife. As a vital team member of an active non-profit, the Junior Counselor Coordinator will be called upon to develop and coordinate marketing, fundraising, or community awareness materials and events in relation to the new Junior Counselor Program. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
  4. NEW! Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge seeks Summer Crew. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge is seeking summer employment applications from young men and women ages 15 to 18. Two positions will be available through the Youth Conservation Corps program. No prior experience is necessary but participants must be citizens of the United States. Crew members will work 40 hours per week for $7.25 an hour starting June 10th through August 2nd. Hours of work will be Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM till 4:00 PM. Work will be conducted outside and will be physically demanding. Individuals selected must have transportation to and from the refuge office, located at 601 FM 1011, Liberty, Texas. Typical duties will include trail maintenance, boundary line posting, fence construction, building construction, and various restoration and maintenance projects. Educational field trips and training sessions will also be included. Selection will be on a random basis from the list of qualified applicants. Young adults interested in wildlife careers, summer employment, or job experience are encouraged to apply. For applications or more information please contact the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 10015, Liberty, TX, 77575 or call 936-336-9786. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY April 10th and can be mailed, faxed, or brought to the office. The fax number is 936-336-9847. Selection will be made on April 15th.
  5. NEW! The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Part-time GIS Research Assistant. This person will assist the director with expanding the Service’s geospatial capabilities, developing fee-for-service resources, and supporting research and community outreach projects that utilize geospatial modeling and analysis. The ideal candidate will have experience with ESRI ArcGIS software, as well as experience producing effective visual communications, managing data, and using basic biostatistical tools. The candidate should also have good writing skills and a demonstrated interest in environmental health. The hours are flexible, with the possibility of a full-time position if funding permits. The BCM-EHS is located in the Texas Medical Center. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Qualified students who would like to satisfy practicum or independent study requirements will also be considered. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and work samples to Dr. Winifred Hamilton (hamilton@bcm.edu), director of the Environmental Health Service. Any questions should also be directed to Dr. Hamilton (713-798-1052).
  6. NEW! The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks paid summer Intern. The intern will assist the director and associate director of the Environmental Health Service with all aspects of work, with particular emphasis on implementing professional education and clinical service initiatives. Primary responsibilities include compiling Healthy Homes-related materials; researching funding models for a home-based asthma intervention program; updating the Service’s website; assisting the director and associate director in the preparation of grant proposals and presentations for various audiences; and in other ways supporting the goals of the EHS professional education and clinical service initiatives. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills, strong communication skills (visual and written), and an ability to work without supervision and as part of a team. The candidate should also have good computer skills, and enjoy working with diverse communities and age groups. Fluency in Spanish preferred but not necessary. This internship is for 10-12 weeks; start/end dates are flexible. Full-time is preferred. The BCM-EHS is located in the Texas Medical Center. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Qualified students who would like to satisfy practicum or independent study requirements will also be considered. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and work samples (please include a writing sample as well as PowerPoint presentation slides) to Dr. Rebecca Bruhl, associate director of the Environmental Health Service (Rebecca.J.Bruhl@bcm.edu). Application deadline is April 8, 2013. Due to the volume of queries anticipated, BCM may not be able to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.
  7. NEW! Central Texas COG seeks Watershed Coordinator. CTCOG has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Watershed Coordinator for the Leon River Watershed Stakeholder Group. Primary responsibilities include working with Counties, Cities, local boards and businesses within the Leon River Watershed to implement management measures identified in the Leon River WPP to improve water quality and develop funding mechanisms for putting them in place; working with state and federal agencies and organizations, as appropriate, to bring technical and financial resources to the watershed; and pursuing external funding to reduce or cover costs for the project (salary and operating). Interested parties may download the full document and submit a response to Jim Reed no later than 2:00PM on Friday, April 5, 2013.
  8. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Program Intern through ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF), located just south of Houston in Webster, seeks a Program Intern to assist in fields of volunteer coordination, water quality outreach, marketing, habitat conservation, and general administrative duties over eight weeks during the summer. Full internship opportunity details, qualifications, restrictions, and application instructions can be found here http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html by clicking on “Program Intern.” The deadline by which to submit application materials is March 31, 2013.
  9. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Summer Projects Intern through Shell Nonprofit Internship Program. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF), located just south of Houston in Webster, seeks a Summer Projects Intern to assist in fields of marketing and membership coordination, volunteer coordination and community outreach, education, event planning, habitat conservation, and general administrative duties over eight weeks during the summer. Full internship opportunity details, qualifications, restrictions, and application instructions can be found here http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html by clicking on “Summer Projects Intern.” The deadline by which to submit application materials is March 31, 2013.
  10. Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program seeks Interns. Apply now for an internship with the Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program sponsored by ExxonMobil. Ten interns will be selected to train, learn, and work for 8 weeks at the Houston Zoo, and at regional conservation partner locations, from May 13, 2013 – July 5, 2013. Interns will receive a $1,500 stipend at the conclusion of the internship. The stipends are sponsored by a generous donation from ExxonMobil. Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program internships are designed for college sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are interested in a participatory, team-based summer internship opportunity that focuses on field conservation science techniques, conservation education program development, and culminates in proposing a regional conservation education project. Program participants will learn career skills and field techniques deeply routed in the sciences. The application deadline is March 31st. Houston Zoo Conservation Education Institute fellowship applications may be found at http://www.houstonzoo.org/volunteering/. For additional information, please email education@houstonzoo.org.
  11. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a part-time Grants Billing Specialist. This position fulfills reimbursement billing duties related to GBF’s government grants as a member of our Administrative Team. The Grants Billing Specialist will prepare reimbursement billings in accordance with the schedule, formats, and content required by each granting agency; submit reimbursement billings to appropriate contacts at each granting agency and maintain correspondence to ensure timely receipt of reimbursement; and coordinate with Accounting Manager on other administrative functions. Qualifications and abilities should include a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, received or in progress (may also consider non-degreed candidate with a minimum of 3 years bookkeeping experience); QuickBooks financial software experience preferred, but not required; and a detail-oriented work style with a focus on efficiency and accuracy. For a full job description, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs. To apply, email cover letter and resume to jtownsend@galvbay.org by March 30, 2013.
  12. Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator Interns (2 positions). The interns will serve as a member of a team to conduct investigative water sampling in Houston-area bayous upstream of locations with identified high fecal indicator bacteria. For more information see: http://www.bayoupreservation.org/employment. Contact: Steve Hupp, Water Quality Director;  shupp@bayoupreservation.org;  713-529-6443.
  13. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks full-time Volunteer Programs Coordinator. This position serves as GBF’s volunteer coordinator responsible for recruiting and training volunteers and acknowledging and recognizing volunteer contributions; manages GBF’s community-based public programs/events, including Marsh Mania, Bay Day, Trash Bash, and Abandoned Crab Trap Removal; arranges volunteer opportunities/events for corporate groups, alternative spring break groups, and other interested parties; maintains the volunteer database; coordinates GBF’s internship programs; and works closely with GBF’s development team. Qualifications and abilities should include: a Bachelor’s degree (required); related trainings such as CPR/First Aid a plus; three or more years of professional experience, preferably with project, event, and/or volunteer management; strong interpersonal skills; exceptional verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills; and comfort (and preferably experience) with field work in coastal environments. For a full job description, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs. To apply, email cover letter and resume to csmith@galvbay.org  by March 31, 2013.
  14. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator. The Bayou Greenways 2020 (BG2020) project aims to create a united urban park system like no other in the nation. By developing linear parks and trails along all the major bayous that flow throughout Houston, BG2020 will add nearly 1,500 acres of additional park land to Houston’s inventory. The Grassroots and Digital Coordinator will be responsible for developing online and web strategies, creating and executing email campaigns, maintaining and managing multiple websites, and organizing and coordinating online and offline community outreach and grassroots outreach efforts. Responsibilities also include managing the organization’s relationship with online community influencers, including reaching out to external blogs and online communities. To Apply: Cover letter, resume and three references should be emailed to: Jen Powis, Advocacy Director at jen@houstonparksboard.org.
  15. Air Alliance Houston seeks Executive Director. The executive director reports to the board of directors. The executive director supervises AAH staff and all projects/initiatives. The executive director is the main representative of AAH to government, industry, the media, partner organizations, other advocates, foundations, donors, and the general public. In addition, the executive director is responsible for the administration and strategic development of AAH. More information, visit http://airalliancehouston.org.
  16. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator. The Nature Discovery Center is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to manage all areas related to volunteer work at the Center. The ideal candidate will be adept at working with a variety of personalities and styles, technologically savvy, and goal-oriented. Additional requirements include sense of humor and love of nature. A background in science, education, or conservation is helpful though not required. Responsibilities include: recruit, interview and place applicants for volunteer work at the Nature Discovery Center; conduct and arrange volunteer orientation and training, including the Teen Volunteer Summer Program and most special events; create and maintain a volunteer database and a system for reporting volunteer statistics; and coordinate all volunteer activity with staff. For more information about the Volunteer Coordinator position, or to apply contact: Sarah Flournoy, Executive Director at sflournoy@naturediscoverycenter.org or 713.667.6550.
  17. ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern. The intern will participate in research and administrative work in preparation for the upcoming exhibition to be held at the Julia Ideson Library related to Hermann Park’s centennial celebration in 2014. Primary responsibilities include carrying out research related to Hermann Park, including historical materials, publications, documents, photographs, master plan(s), sketches, artworks, etc.; archiving, cataloguing and chronology; correspondence and communications (writing letters, e-mails, phone contacts, etc.); organizing and filing of documents and research materials; maintaining database of objects and materials; preparing exhibition materials’ bibliography including materials, sources, references; and report writing. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
  18. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs Intern. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning (90%) and Volunteer Programs (10%) Intern. Primary areas of responsibility include: assisting Hermann Park Conservancy’s (HPC) Conservation Director with aspects of the continuing development of a reforestation plan in Hermann Park, and assisting the HPC volunteer coordinator with volunteer project facilitation with regard to tree plantings, tree care, park maintenance and other Hermann Park improvement projects. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
  19. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders. SCA seeks two qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire high school students for the Houston Summer Crew program. Co-lead, mentor and coach a crew of 12 students, ages 14-19, while completing various conservation service projects designed to build an ethic of community and environmental stewardship. Projects include a range of activities such as trail and park maintenance, habitat restoration, revitalization of abandoned urban properties or to urban agriculture. In addition, leaders will facilitate pre- and post- program planning which includes crew training, environmental education and reporting. Training is June 3-12 and program start date is June 20. To Apply: Please visit the www.thesca.org/employment for a detailed description including information on how to apply. For questions contact SCA Houston staff at SCAHouston@theSCA.org or call: (713) 520-1835.
  20. Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership seeks Watershed Director. The mission of the Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership is to “improve the quality of life in our communities by protecting, enhancing, and restoring the ecological integrity and natural benefits of the Armand Bayou watershed.” The Watershed Director is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership, including fundraising/grantwriting and business operations. Areas of responsibility include planning and evaluation, policy and program development and administration, personnel and fiscal management, and public relations. This is a full-time position, hired by and directly accountable to the Armand Bayou Watershed Council, communicating regularly with its elected Council chair. The Watershed Director implements policies approved by the Council, manages the organization’s programs and operations (including implementation of its Strategic Plan), and represents the organization in the community. Cover letter, resume, and written answers to the questions below should be submitted via e-mail to: linda.shead@sheadconservation.com. The questions are: 1. Based on the “Ability to create and foster teams to solve watershed problems,” how have you used this skill in the past, and what would you do differently in the future? 2. Tell about past experience with outside consultants and contractors.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Texas StarCEC is sharing information during the session about what bills our member groups and readers are tracking. More information is available at cechouston.org/category/texas-legislature/.

 

The last day to file most bills was March 8, 2013. The next significant date is April 15, 2013, which is the first day a Senator my place five bills or resolutions on the Intent Calendar. The last day of the regular session is Monday, May 27, 2013. Learn more at www.legis.state.tx.us.

Let us know what you think about the senate bills that have been filed! Take a quick survey to let us know which senate bills are important to you–and why! We’ll let you know what our readers think.

Click here to take survey

Readers have shared the following information:

  • HB 1473: Texas Bottle Bill. “The Bill will be heard on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. The refundable deposits bill (HB 1473) is now scheduled for a hearing in the Environmental Regulation Committee. Many people have made great efforts to help the bill which strives to make Texas a cleaner state and more open to environmentally conscious entrepreneurs. Texas needs more jobs and cleaner waters, highways and playgrounds. The best way that individual taxpayers can help the bill now is to contact the legislators on the House Environmental Regulation Committee.”
  • HB 824 / SB 584: Reporting Sanitary Sewer Overflows: “HB 824 would exempt wastewater spills of 1500 gallons or less from reporting. Wastewater spills contribute to the most widespread pollution problem in waterways in the region.” The following text is from the fiscal note for the bill:
    • TCEQ also stated that enforcement of the amended notification requirement could be problematic since TCEQ would not be aware of any unauthorized discharges less than the designated threshold which could affect how the agency pursues complaints. The delay in investigating an unauthorized discharge as a result of a complaint versus investigating as a result of notification could pose a concern with the ability to determine compliance with the notification requirements, and to ensure that the discharge did not result in any impacts to human health, public safety, or the environment. Additionally, if the threshold amount was exceeded and not reported, TCEQ would not be aware of the situation unless a complaint or situation arose. For example an unauthorized discharge of 1,800 gallons could be estimated by a facility to be 1,500 gallons and would therefore not be reported to TCEQ.
  • HB 11 / SB 4 / HB 19 / HB 227 / SB 22 / SB 235: Rainy Day Fund for Water Infrastructure. “These are variants of the water infrastructure fund move to transfer billions from the “rainy day fund” to tackle Texas’ growing water supply needs. Water supply is intrinsically connected to a host of environmental issues. Regardless of what happens with this bill, it will have a profound effect on various environmental issues. Increasing supply and infrastructure to meet growth taxes finite limits and has impacts on both water quality and instream flows, especially if larger water transport projects, interbasin transfers, etc become viable. However, failure to deal with our aging infrastructure and growing needs puts a bigger strain on existing resources, and potentially increases contamination from aging wastewater infrastructure. Overall, availability of water is a huge driver of future growth in this region. Where, and to what extent growth happens, will be largely a function of water in the future. These bills are setting seminal policy on how we transition from the old way of dealing with water to a new realization of our growing precarious relationship with this resource. (To note, all these bills are in counterpoint to HB6 which would immediately abolish the fund if created.)”
  • SB 78 / HB 378: Climate Change. “The immediate impact of these companion climate change related bills is arguable, as they primarily apply to state agencies. However, they represent a sea change in political atmosphere. Only years after references to climate change were struck out of TCEQ reports, these bills would require state agencies to evaluate the impacts of climate change, likely driven by the 2011 drought experience. They don’t have legs yet, but potentially have the ability to represent a pivoting of political momentum on this issue, which will likely be of growing importance for Texas in the coming years.”
  • HB 3315 / HB 2767 / HB 3537 / HB 2992 / HB 3147 / HB 3595 / SB 873: Fracking Water. “All of these bills are more or less aimed at the same common theme (some are near identical). They target oil and gas production, especially fracking whose operation in the Eagleford Shale and other West Texas locations have been appreciable water users. The general theme is to encourage/require reuse, treatment, or other mitigation of the water resources used for these operations. These bills recognize and take action on the relationship between energy production and water supply, and seek to tighten the use/waste involved. While these bills do not impact the Houston region as directly as they do other areas in Texas, they are a dramatic change in the relationship of water regulation and oil and gas production. Unlike most environmental concerns, oil and gas primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission. These bills represent a dramatic change in philosophy on how those operations are regulated, and a broad scale recognition of their part in the water supply/quality future. These are two competing paradigms that have been at simmering odds for some time, and the clash between them will be a growing issue for Texas water supplies. “

The following are the last of the bills filed by the house (HB=House Bill, and HJR=House Joint Resolution) which may be of interest to the region’s environmental community and which were filed before the deadline.

  • HB 3013: Relating to the underground storage of water for later retrieval andbeneficial use; authorizing the imposition of fees.
  • HB 3016: Relating to the application of municipal zoning regulations to certaincommercial property in which the General Land Office retains an ownership interest.
  • HB 3037: Relating to restricting the sale of state-owned longhorn cattle instate natural areas.
  • HB 3040:  Relating to the creation of a fee on registration of avehicle to fund transportation projects.
  • HB 3042:  Relating to the allocation of state hotel occupancy taxrevenue to certain municipalities for cleaning and maintenance of and erosion control for public beaches.
  • HB 3043:  Relating to the rate of the municipal hotel occupancy tax incertain municipalities and the use of revenue from that tax.
  • HB 3073:  Relating to the operation, powers, and duties of certainlevee improvement districts.
  • HB 3085: Relating to the regulation of automotive wrecking and salvage yards incertain counties; increasing the civil penalty.
  • HB 3086:  Relating to an optional exemption from the motor fuels taxfor materials blended with taxable diesel.
  • HB 3087: Relating to the condemnation of conservation easements.
  • HB 3108:  Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of oil,natural gas, and other petroleum products held temporarily in this state for certain purposes.
  • HB 3110: Relating to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan motor vehicle purchaseor lease incentive program.
  • HB 3114: Relating to the regional groundwater planning process for minoraquifers.
  • HB 3119:  Relating to contingent fee contracts for representation oflocal governments in certain environmental enforcement actions.
  • HB 3121: Relating to limiting the liability of certain transportationauthorities and railroads for certain incidents involving the provision of public passenger rail services.
  • HB 3128: Relating to the authority of a county commissioners court to adoptstandards for lot frontages on roads in the unincorporated area of the county.
  • HB 3130: Relating to certain comprehensive development agreements of the TexasDepartment of Transportation or a regional mobility authority.
  • HB 3131: Relating to the line of vegetation and authorized development incertain beach areas; authorizing a fee.
  • HB 3147: Relating to the degree to which power generation facilities consume oradversely impact water in this state.
  • HB 3157: Relating to taxes and fees wholly or partly deposited to the credit ofthe state highway fund; increasing the rates of the gasoline and diesel fuel taxes, authorizing the increase or decrease of those rates insubsequent years, and increasing motor vehicle registration fees.
  • HB 3166 : Relating to the authority of the Public UtilityCommission of Texas to implement a temporary price cap in certain situations.
  • HB 3167: Relating to water programs administered by theTexas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water DevelopmentBoard.
  • HB 3168: Relating to wind energy facilities and the rightsof owners of land on which wind energy facilities are located.
  • HB 3214: Relating to the creation of an incentive programfor solar and wind-powered distributed electric generation for public schoolproperty.
  • HB 3215: Relating to the Texas natural gas vehicle grantprogram.
  • HB 3216: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxationof energy storage systems used for the control of air pollution in a nonattainment area.
  • HB 3223: Relating to the factors to be considered in determiningthe amount of certain administrative penalties imposed by the Texas Commissionon Environmental Quality.
  • HB 3233: Relating to interbasin transfers of state water.
  • HB 3234: Relating to the procedure for action by the TexasCommission on Environmental Quality on an application for a water right.
  • HB 3244: Relating to water quality improvement andpollution reduction through beverage container recycling incentives; providingpenalties; assessing a fee.
  • HB 3249: Relating to recycling, reclamation, handling,and/or treatment of oil and gas waste, water, and related materials and clarifying the Railroad Commission’s jurisdiction.
  • HB 3250: Relating to protecting landowners against aquiferdepletion.
  • HB 3255: Relating to the sale of soil products by apolitical subdivision.
  • HB 3260: Relating to the designation of certain river orstream segments as being of unique ecological value.
  • HB 3279: Relating to the uprooting of seagrass plants;creating an offense.
  • HB 3289: Relating to the licensing of professionals engagedin Texas pollutant discharge elimination system-related stormwater activity.
  • HB 3290: Relating to the operation of a motor vehicle inthe vicinity of a vulnerable road user; providing penalties.
  • HB 3291: Relating to certain comprehensive developmentagreements of regional mobility authorities.
  • HB 3315 : Relating to the regulation of reuse and recyclingof produced water from oil and gas activities.
  • HB 3317: Relating to the exemption of a water well fromcertain permitting by and compliance with rules of a groundwater conservationdistrict.
  • HB 3448: Relating to the service of a presiding officer ofcertain metropolitan rapid transit authorities.
  • HB 3450: Relating to a program to support the installationof certain emmissions-free generation systems that do not use water in theproduction of electricity and are located on publicly owned land or governmentbuildings and parking structures.
  • HB 3459 : Relating to the determination of the boundariesof, and the enforcement of the law governing access to, public beaches.
  • HB 3465: Relating to standards for recycling or reusingcomputer and television equipment.
  • HB 3466: Relating to the reporting of internationalshipments of electronic waste.
  • HB 3468: Relating to the revocation or amendment of acertificate of public convenience and necessity for water or sewer service by petition.
  • HB 3489: Relating to the inspection period for a motorvehicle.
  • HB 3509: Relating to endangered species habitatconservation.
  • HB 3511: Relating to adjudication of claims under watercontracts with local government entities.
  • HB 3512: Relating to the eligibility of property used for adesalination project for ad valorem tax benefits under the Texas EconomicDevelopment Act.
  • HB 3513: Relating to a municipality’s comprehensivedevelopment.
  • HB 3535: Relating to the management, operation, rulemakingauthority, and oversight of groundwater conservation districts.
  • HB 3759: Relating to electric reliability standards adoptedby the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
  • HB 3760: Relating to advanced meter deployment.
  • HB 3767: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxationof property owned by charitable organizations that engage in or support theplanting, growing, cultivation, or maintenance of trees in public areas.
  • HB 3783: Relating to the storage, transportation, anddisposal of tires; providing criminal penalties.
  • HB 3793: Relating to county powers, duties, and services;providing penalties; imposing fees.
  • HB 3807: Relating to the Fort Bend Subsidence District.
  • HB 3812: Relating to a county air quality fee imposed atthe time of an emissions-related inspection.
  • HB 3813: Relating to wildfire prevention in certain urbanareas.
  • HB 3822: Relating to a prohibition on the use of aninterlocal agreement to purchase energy or energy-related services.
  • HB 3843: Relating to providing, facilitating, or aiding theuse of solar power or other alternative energy source in public schools.
  • HB 3857: Relating to periodic rate adjustments by water andsewer utilities.
  • HB 3871: Relating to the powers and duties of the GulfCoast Waste Disposal Authority.
  • HB 3885: Relating to powers of the North Harris CountyRegional Water Authority relating to certain wells.
  • HJR 90: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizingthe legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property that is leasedto a charitable organization and that is used by the organization primarily forthe purpose of performing a charitable function.
  • HJR 95: Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit thepurposes for which revenues from motor vehicle registration fees and taxes onmotor fuels and lubricants may be used.
  • HJR 97: Proposing a constitutional amendment to rename theRailroad Commission of Texas as the Texas Energy Commission.
  • HJR 107: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizingthe legislature to impose by general law an additional motor vehicle registration fee to be deposited into the Texas Mobility Fund.
  • HJR 108: Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit thepurposes for which revenue from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motorfuels and lubricants and motor vehicle tires and parts, and certain revenuesreceived from the federal government may be used.
  • HJR 113: Proposing a constitutional amendment relating tothe right to hunt and fish in accordance with state law.
  • HJR 132: Proposing a constitutional amendment to provideoil, natural gas, and other petroleum products held temporarily in this statethe same ad valorem tax-exempt status as is currently provided to other tangible personal property.
  • HJR 135: Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibitusing voluntarily paid additional fees and surcharges that are dedicated by lawfor nondedicated general governmental purposes and to prohibit using that moneyfor certification of appropriations for nondedicated purposes or entities.
  • HJR 139: Proposing a constitutional amendment providing forthe issuance of general obligation bonds by the Texas Transportation Commissionto provide funding for state highways, publicly owned toll roads, and otherpublicly owned transportation projects.
  • HJR 142: Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorizethe legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real and personal propertyused for the conservation, reuse, or recycling of water.

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This weekly update is brought to you by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, established as a 501(c)3 in 1971. CEC is a coalition of over 100 environmental organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast region. Visit the CEC on line at cechouston.org. Do you know of something great going on? News? Events? Accomplishments? Jobs? Let us know! Send submittals to news@cechouston.org. If possible, send information by Friday for inclusion the following Tuesday. We especially like short paragraphs, catchy titles, third person, and links to more information, but we will work with whatever you send us. Calendar items can be submitted up to two years in advance. We are always looking for volunteers to help keep our calendar up to date.

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Shawn McFarland, Interim Executive Director
Rachel Powers, Volunteer Managing Editor
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
Rachel Tardiff, Calendar Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org

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