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June 4, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update June 4, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update June 4, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Water, Peace, and War
  2. No newsletter June 12, 2013
  3. New Twitter list

COALITION NOTES

  1. Rice Design Alliance
  2. Clean Fleet Technologies Conference
  3. World Oceans Day 2013
  4. REI Buffalo Bayou Cleanup
  5. Wildlife Center of Texas Volunteer Training
  6. KPC Wild West Tour: Breeding Birds
  7. March of the Penguins: Willow Water Hole Greenspace Conservancy Dinner and Movie Event
  8. CWI Workshop: Urban Stream Ecology
  9. Exploring Nature: Tree ID for the Novice
  10. 2013 Original Classroom Series: Headwaters to Baywaters
  11. RDA’s Anything that Floats Rescheduled to June 22
  12. EarthShare Green Quiz: Green Jobs
  13. Texas Master Naturalist Fall 2013 Training Session
  14. Bike Around the Bay Registration is Open

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. LEED Tour: George R. Brown Convention Center
  2. Public Input Session: Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy
  3. Armand Bayou Watershed Council Meeting
  4. TCEQ Agenda
  5. OHBA Summer Plant Series
  6. TCEQ Contested Case Hearing
  7. Community Forestry Projects
  8. TCEQ Non-Point Source Water Quality Grants
  9. Clean & Resilient Marinas
  10. Making Real Progress at Nation’s Fish Summit
  11. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  12. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. In Houston, Too Much Fine Dust? (Kate Galbraith – The Texas Tribune, 5/30/2013)
  2. Houston, Galveston Push for Swifter Adoption of Cleaner Fuels for Trucks (Andrew Schneider – KUHF News, 6/3/2013)
  3. Texas Water Plan Being Questioned by Court (Kate Galbraith – The Texas
    Tribune, 5/29/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. New! Air Alliance Houston seeks Part-Time Administrative Assistant
  2. New! Public Citizen (Austin) seeks Project Media Coordinator
  3. Sierra Club seeks Community Organizer
  4. Matagorda County seeks Extension Agent – Coastal and Marine Resources
  5. H-GAC seeks Senior Environmental Planner, Water Quality
  6. NEW! H-GAC seeks Environmental Planner, Water Quality
  7. H-GAC seeks Environmental Planner, Water Quality Monitoring
  8. H-GAC seeks Senior Air Quality Planner
  9. The City of Houston seeks Administration Manager (Environmental)
  10. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Volunteer Water Quality Summer Intern
  11. HARC seeks Intern for Website Content Development and Social Media Integration
  12. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator
  13. Hermann Park Conservancy is currently seeking a full-time office manager/bookkeeper
  14. Houston Wilderness seeks Event Planning Intern
  15. Houston Wilderness seeks Website and Social Media Intern
  16. Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist
  17. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns
  18. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator
  19. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Water, Peace, and War. Every month the Asia Society hosts a monthly mixer, Leo Bar, in conjunction with a serious program, Authors on Asia.  On Thursday, June 6th, in correlation with Leo Bar, our program will be with author Brahma Chellaney, who will be promoting his book Water, Peace, and War.  Chellaney will be in conversation with Dr. William M. Harris, Jr., Department of Environmental Science and Studies, University of St. Thomas and recent board member of CEC.  CEC is pleased to be a co-sponsor. Leo Bar mixer from 6-8 pm, program from 7-8 pm. Parking is free, cash bar, DJ, and Asian inspired food will be provided.   More information is available on the Asia Society’s website: Leo Bar  & Chellaney’s Water, Peace, and War event.
  2. No newsletter June 11, 2013. Each year, the newsletter takes a short break for one week in June. Next week, we’ll be playing not newsletterring. But if you want to know what is going on, you can always visit our website, comprehensive environmental calendar, or even Twitter…
  3. Twitter List. Many of CEC’s member organizations are on Twitter. To make it easy for your to see what they are up to, we have a webpage of just tweets from CEC member groups. You don’t have to have a Twitter account to follow along. If you do have a Twitter account–you know what to do!

 

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COALITION NOTES

  1. Rice Design Alliance. Forty years ago, RDA’s founders organized civic forums and published monographs calling for bayous to serve as linear parks. Today, that vision has been widely adopted. The new frontiers are trails along utility easements and RDA is helping to imagine that future. Read the online article from the new Cite about an exhibition of bold visions for the easements. That exhibition was funded in part by a grant from the 2012 RDA Initiatives for Houston program, and a 2013 grant is funding further study of possible hike and bike routes along the corridors. And, a bill passed by the Texas legislature and signed by the governor on May 16 will enable such paths to be built. Read more on the RDA website.
  2. Clean Fleet Technologies Conference. The Clean Fleet Technologies Conference is a great way to learn, listen, and discover opportunities for alternative fuels, clean vehicle technologies, and efficiency improvements. Speakers, exhibitors, and vehicle displays will highlight the latest technologies and funding for cleaner on- and off- road fleets! The Houston region can benefit from the economic, energy security, and environmental impacts of alternative fuels. Join Houston-Galveston Area Council at the ballpark to find the best tools and fuels for your vehicles and equipment. The Keynote Speaker is Dan Frakes, Manager of Advanced Technology and Vehicle Fuels Policy at General Motors. The conference will be held on June 5, 2013, at Constellation Field (1 Stadium Dr). Registration is $50 until June 5, when it will be $60. More at http://www.h-gac.com/.
  3. World Oceans Day 2013. Celebrate World Oceans Day 2013 with the Downtown Aquarium and Houston Zoo on June 8, 2013. The Downtown Aquarium will be celebrating from 10am-6pm with a conservation booth, scavenger hunt, and crafts. The Houston Zoo will be celebrating from 9am-3pm with a reading of the classic Dr. Seuss book, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” along with other fun, kid-friendly activities. Thee will also be educational opportunities for guests to learn about marine debris and its impact on the environment. Learn more at http://worldoceansday.org/.
  4. REI Buffalo Bayou Cleanup. Join BPA and REI volunteers for an on-the-water cleanup project from 9am-2pm at Terry Hershey Park. To RSVP, email shupp@bayoupreservation.org.
  5. Wildlife Center of Texas Volunteer Training. The Wildlife Center depends on compassionate, caring volunteers to help care for native wildlife. They are always looking for new volunteers to help further their mission. Volunteer orientations are held the second Saturday of every month, January-September, from 10-11:30am. The next training will take place on June 8, 2013. Register at http://www.wildlifecenteroftexas.org/.
  6. KPC Wild West Tour: Breeding Birds. Beat the heat this summer and join bird expert, Glenn Olsen, for a twilight tour of the prairie. Visit wetlands, woods, and wild grasslands in search of breeding birds and feathery fledglings. A light dinner will be included with this special trip onto KPC preserves. Wild West Tours are designed for adult learners. This class is $50 per person with dinner included. The Breeding Birds Tour will take place on June 8, 2013, from 6-9 pm at Katy Prairie Conservancy’s Indiangrass Preserve. Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/.
  7. March of the Penguins: Willow Water Hole Greenspace Conservancy Dinner and Movie Event. Join Willow Water Hole Greenspace Conservancy for a family dinner and movie event on June 8, 2013, from 6:30-9:30 pm at the South Gazebo at Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve (5300 Dryad Drive). The movie that will be showing is ‘March of the Penguins.’ Tejano Salsa will be providing mouth watering tamales and other goodies. Bring blankets and chairs! More at http://cechouston.org/.
  8. CWI Workshop: Urban Stream Ecology. The next Clean Waters Initiative Workshop covers Urban Stream Ecology. June 13, 2013 from 1:30-4pm at the Houston-Galveston Area Council offices. Speakers invited for this workshop include The Environmental Institute of Houston, Harris County Flood Control, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. More at www.h-gac.com/cwi.
  9. Exploring Nature: Tree ID for the Novice. Houston is a city full of trees – they grow in our backyards and in parks throughout the city. Being able to identify these trees by sight is a practical and beneficial skill. In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn how to quickly study leaves and use field guides to identify 30 tree species native or naturalized to the Houston area. No prior botany knowledge required. Bring a small leaf-covered tree branch from home for identification. Recommended field guides will be available for sale in the Nature Shop. The workshop will take place on June 16, 2013 from 2-5pm at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. More at http://www.houstonarboretum.org/.
  10. 2013 Original Classroom Series: Headwaters to Baywaters. This summer Environmental Educators Exchange and Get Outdoors Houston! will be offering classes for educators (formal, informal, volunteers, homeschool, etc.) in the best classroom of all – the Great Outdoors! Week one of the classroom series begins on June 17, 2013. Classes include Katy Prairie Alive! (June 17), You and the Bayou (June 19), and Gateway to the Bay (June 21). Each class during this week will be held from 9am-2pm. You can register for individual classes ($35) or the whole week ($90) at a discounted rate. Continuing education credits available. Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/. Also, get ready for the second week of the series, which begins July 21, 2013.
  11. RDA’s Anything that Floats Rescheduled to June 22. The Rice Design Alliance’s Anything That Floats competition has been rescheduled for Saturday June 22nd! There is still time to put a team together and submit your registration form!  Click here to sign up. The competition challenges participants to build a floating device to float a short distance along Buffalo Bayou using discarded building materials provided the day-of by RDA. More info on the RDA website.
  12. EarthShare Green Quiz: Green Jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, how many green jobs are there in the US?
    • 700,000
    • 1.6 million
    • 3.4 million
    • 5 million

    Send EarthShare your answer for a chance to win a green prize from EarthShare.

  13. Texas Master Naturalist Fall 2013 Training Session. Become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist! The Texas Master Naturalist Fall 2013 Training Session begins on August 17, 2013, and runs through October 30, 2013. Classes are on Tuesday evenings and field trips are on Saturdays. For more details, email training.officer@txgcmn.org, or you can visit the website of local chapters:
  14. Bike Around the Bay Registration is Open! The Galveston Bay Foundation is excited to announce that registration for Bike Around the Bay 2013 is now open! The event will be held Saturday, October 12 through Sunday, October 13, featuring the 180-mile, full-loop route around the bay as first implemented in 2012. Bike Around the Bay is a fully supported two-day ride around Galveston Bay that showcases its natural beauty and benefits the Galveston Bay Foundation. Now in its seventh year, Bike Around the Bay began with the goal of bringing people together from all over to see and experience Galveston Bay. Proceeds benefit projects that preserve wetlands, protect natural habitat, and enhance the water quality of the bay for present users and for posterity. More at http://bikearoundthebay.org/index.htm.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. LEED Tour: George R. Brown Convention Center. As one in a series of free tours of green buildings in Houston, you are invited to see the LEED for Existing Buildings Silver George R. Brown Convention Center, on Friday, June 7, 2013, in a guided tour of approximately 40 minutes at either 11 a.m., noon, or 1:00 p.m. TheTour will take place at 1001 Avenida De Las Americas.  Please visit www.houstontx.gov/mayor/leedtour.pdf for more details and a map, and print it out to use as a ticket for free parking. See the calendar at www.codegreenhouston.org for 2013 Green Tours currently scheduled.
  2. Public Input Session: Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy. The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council released the Draft Initial Comprehensive Plan: Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy and accompanying Draft Environmental Assessment for formal public comment. The Draft Plan provides a framework to implement a coordinated region-wide restoration effort in a way that restores, protects, and revitalizes the Gulf Coast region following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Draft Plan establishes overarching restoration goals for the Gulf Coast region; provides details about how the Council will solicit, evaluate, and fund projects and programs for ecosystem restoration in the Gulf Coast region; outlines the process for the development, review, and approval of State Expenditure Plans; and highlights the Council’s next steps. In order to ensure robust public input throughout the entire process, the Council is hosting a series of public engagement sessions in each of the five impacted Gulf States in June to give the public the opportunity to provide input on the Draft Plan and the Council’s restoration planning efforts. The 30-day formal public comment period for the Draft Plan and associated documents began May 23 and ends June 24. There will be a public input session on June 10, 2013, 6-8pm, at Texas A&M University, Galveston, Bldg 3007. Learn more at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/.
  3. Armand Bayou Watershed Council Meeting. Wednesday, June 12, 2013, from 2;00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Armand Bayou Nature Center. In addition to essential business items, the Council will learn about outdoor recreation opportunities in the watershed, particularly those offered by the City of La Porte. View the newsletter for more information.
  4. TCEQ Agenda. The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality will meet on June 18, 2013, in Austin. Agenda items include a concrete batch plant in Huntsville, sludge and water quality violation in Montgomery County, petroleum storage tank violations in Harris and Liberty Counties, proposed 2014 Five-Year Regional Haze State Implementation Plan Revision, new radioactive substance rules, and irrigating public parks. The proposed agenda is available on the TCEQ website.
  5. OHBA Summer Plant Series. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event of delicious food, organic beer & wine, great education, the coolest people in Houston and exciting vendors. This event will take place on June 25, 2013, 4-7 pm, at 50 Waugh Drive. The cost is $15 for OHBA members and $25 for non-members. Speakers include Chris Wiesinger, President and Owner of The Southern Bulb Co. and Mike Alexander, Danny Yarbrough & Casey Sherwood of New Nurseries. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  6. TCEQ Contested Case Hearing. On July 8, 2013, the State Office of Administrative Hearings will conduct a formal contested case hearing pertaining to the application by the Exxon Mobile Corporation for air quality permit, which would authorize construction of an expansion to the Baytown Olefins Plant located at 3525 Decker Dr, Baytown, Harris County, Texas 77520. The proposed facility will emit the following contaminants: organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, sulfuric acid and particulate matter including particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less. More information is available on the TCEQ’s public hearing webpage.
  7. Community Forestry Projects. Funds Available for Community Forestry Projects through Department of Agriculture: Forest Service. The National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program supports national urban and community forestry projects on non-federal public land that have a national or widespread impact and application. Pre-proposals are due July 15, 2013. The application deadline is November 15, 2013. More at http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac.
  8. TCEQ Non-Point Source Water Quality Grants. The TCEQ announces its annual request for grant applications (RFGA) for grants to cleanup or prevent water pollution. Applications will be accepted through July 31. More information is available on the TCEQ website.
  9. Clean & Resilient Marinas. The Clean & Resilient Marina Guidebook is now available as a free download from the Gulf of Mexico Alliance website.  The Clean & Resilient Marina Guidebook provides marina owners with useful information on tools and recommended best practices at marinas. Released by the Alliance’s Coastal Community Resilience Priority Issue Team, the guidebook can be found on the Gulf of Mexico Alliance’s website at www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org.
  10. Making Real Progress at Nation’s Fish Summit. Imagine 600 people gathered in a room to talk about the future of fish and fishing. Think they swapped fish tales? You bet. But on-the-water stories aside, this group talked serious business. The May 2013 Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries Conference in Washington mostly addressed issues that matter to anyone who eats seafood, drops a line in the water on a weekend getaway, or makes money from fish. Learn more about the Pew Charitable Trusts’ key takeaways from the conference, which drew fishermen, conservationists, state and federal fishery managers, and congressional members and staff: www.pewenvironment.org.
  11. 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).
    • Caribbean Connection
    • Lake Whitney State Park
    • Outdoor Info: Sighting Your Rifle
    • D Day +50
  12. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • June 4: Orange–Unhealthy Sensitive–Ozone. Incoming background levels may be high enough and winds light enough for ozone to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” on the north and northwest side of Houston area.
    • June 5: Orange–Unhealthy Sensitive–Ozone. Incoming background levels may be high enough and winds light enough for ozone to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” on the north and northwest side of Houston area.
    • June 6: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Incoming background levels may still be high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the north and northwest side of Houston.

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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. In Houston, Too Much Fine Dust? (Kate Galbraith – The Texas Tribune, 5/30/2013)
    In Houston, air pollution concerns usually center on ozone. But Houston environmentalists and businesses are paying increasingly close attention to another pollutant — fine dust. It’s more dangerous than ozone, some say, and the federal government will decide by the end of next year whether the Houston area violates newly tightened federal standards. If Houston is found to be in violation of federal standards, it could be costly for local industries, which might need to install new controls to reduce dust. It could also hurt the reputation of a region that has been trying for decades to clean up its air.
    https://www.texastribune.org/
  2. Houston, Galveston Push for Swifter Adoption Of Cleaner Fuels For Trucks (Andrew Schneider – KUHF News, 6/3/2013)
    The Houston-Galveston Area Council is gearing up for the region’s annual Clean Fleet Technologies Conference this week. One of the main topics for this year’s conference will be the development of cleaner-burning fuel technologies for trucks. The Houston-Galveston Area Council is currently offering an incentive program to reimburse fleet operators up to 75% of the cost for switching from gasoline or diesel power to cleaner burning fuels, such as compressed natural gas.
    http://app1.kuhf.org/
  3. Texas Water Plan Being Questioned by Court (Kate Galbraith – The Texas Tribune, 5/29/2013)
    Just as Gov. Rick Perry and lawmakers finalize plans to spend $2 billion on water-supply projects around the state, a court decision could force Texas to rethink its water-planning process. Last week, Texas’ 11th Court of Appeals ruled that two regional plans feeding into the 2012 state water plan — a 300-page document that underlies the Legislature’s new water initiatives — contained conflicting recommendations.
    http://www.texastribune.org/

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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.

  1. New! Air Alliance Houston seeks Part-Time Administrative Assistant. Air Alliance Houston is seeking a motivated individual to assist with administrative duties. This is a part-time position with approximately 20 hours per week expected. Air Alliance has a small staff that demands work sharing and flexibility. The administrative assistant will perform a variety of administrative functions including bookkeeping, bill payment, scheduling, updating office procedures and manual, and filing and document retention. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send complete resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org. More at http://airalliancehouston.org/.
  2. New! Public Citizen (Austin) seeks Project Media Coordinator. Public Citizen (Austin, TX) is seeking a Project Media Coordinator to be a part of the Clean Coastal Commerce Coalition, committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction of coal exports.  The coalition seeks to get our message out in print, radio, television and online.  We are looking for an applicant who is adept at using a multi-media and communications strategy that will provide information to local and national reporters, and maintain a significant presence and following online using new media to advocate for public health and safety, government accountability, and clean and safe energy. This is an opportunity to make a difference.  For more information on this job posting go to http://www.citizen.org/Page.aspx?pid=5960.
  3. Sierra Club seeks Community Organizer. Sierra Club is looking to hire an experienced community organizer based in Austin, TX to help  increase its grassroots power in the region. As a part of the history-making Beyond Coal campaign, s/he will help broaden the coalition to promote renewable energy and move beyond dirty, coal-fired power. This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual looking to enhanced his/her organizing skills and join a powerful, national team. For full details and to apply, please visit: https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH15/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SIERRACLUB&cws=1&rid=277
  4. Matagorda County seeks Extension Agent – Coastal and Marine Resources. The Matagorda County Extension Agent-CMR (CEA-CMR) will work with communities in Matagorda County, Texas, to help them chart a sustainable and resilient path to the future. Matagorda County is subject to damaging tropical storms, including hurricanes. Coastal communities have suffered economically as shrimp and fishing outfits have reduced their fleets in response to lower prices and higher costs. Recreational fishing is a vibrant area, and an excellent natural resource base provides for outstanding hunting and farming. Community vitality and character are major concerns in this county. Matagorda County is not in the immediate growth path of Houston, but future growth, or the lack of it, is a major community concern. The CEA-CMR will be expected to work with communities in Matagorda County by engaging a wide range of university resources in their behalf. The Matagorda CEA-CMR provides leadership for an effective educational program that supports coastal communities, local natural resources, and coastal and marine industries. Responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating an effective outcome-based program that supports identified issues in Matagorda County; responsible for effectively reporting, marketing, and interpreting results of programming efforts. Develops and works with stakeholder-based committees that provide direction for Extension programs. Works with industry and community based organizations to effectively link Extension and coastal marine resources to the community. Understands job responsibilities associated with the position. Send resume and cover letter to John Jacob, jjacob@tamu.edu.
  5. H-GAC seeks Senior Environmental Planner, Water Quality. Responsible for facilitating stakeholder groups and developing water quality implementation plans throughout the H-GAC region.  Will also take a lead role in working with wastewater and storm water permitees to develop effective programs to reduce water pollution.  Reports to Water Resources Program Manager of Community & Environmental Planning Department (C&E). Read more at www.h-gac.com/careers/.
  6. NEW! H-GAC seeks Environmental Planner, Water Quality. Responsible for supporting, planning, and policy development initiatives for various watersheds in the 13-county H-GAC Region.  Reports to Water Resources Program Manager of Community & Environmental Planning Department (C&E). Read more at www.h-gac.com/careers/.
  7. H-GAC seeks Environmental Planner, Water Quality Monitoring. Assists with a wide range of projects related to the Water Resources Program. Supports regional efforts to improve water quality and reduce non-point source pollution. More at www.h-gac.com/Careers/.
  8. H-GAC seeks Senior Air Quality Planner. The Senior Planner will serve as a primary staff for Transportation Air Quality Implementation Programs which may include Clean Air Action, Clean Vehicle and/or Commute Solutions activities.  Coordinates and supports the efforts of local, state and federal agencies in complying with the various federal and state alternative fuel mandates and trading regulations.  This position will support regional efforts to meet attainment of federal air quality standards by assisting in creatively analyzing and promoting transportation-related air quality programs and investigating other potential measures to help reduce ground level ozone.  Supervised by Air Quality Coordinator.  Reports to Air Quality Program Manager. Read more at www.h-gac.com/careers/.
  9. The City of Houston seeks Administration Manager (Environmental). Duties: Manage the daily operations of the City’s Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) and Brownfield Redevelopment programs. Review and modify as necessary application forms and internal procedures to process applications. Coordinate the scheduling and attend the required public meetings and public hearing for MSD applications. Update and maintain the City of Houston’s Public Works and Engineering Geographical Information Systems MSD and Brownfield data layer and status sheet. Apply for and manage grants awarded to the City of Houston related to Brownfield Redevelopment,. Actively solicit participants in the grants, manage consultants selected to perform work and process invoices from consultants and coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas commission on Environmental Quality, Support Utility Analysis and special projects and other duties as assigned. For more details and how to apply, visit http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/.
  10. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Volunteer Water Quality Summer Intern. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a part-time, temporary Volunteer Water Quality Summer Intern to assist with programs including GBF’s Water Monitoring Team, Boater Waste Education Campaign, Galveston Bay Bacteria Reduction Plan, and Clean Water Partnerships. The Volunteer Water Quality Summer Intern will receive training and certifications as a GBF Water Quality Monitor (Texas Stream Team program), GBF Volunteer Bacteria Sampler, and GBF Volunteer Lab Assistant; gain field experience by carrying out a short-term research project; collect, input, and track water quality data; conduct online research on a variety of water quality topics; and participate in public outreach events and professional networking opportunities. This unpaid internship opportunity is open to current sophomore, junior, senior-level undergraduates, or graduate students working toward a degree in water resource management, environmental science, or a related field. Please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html for full details, duties, and qualifications. To apply, email resume and cover letter to cbohanon@galvbay.org by May 28, 2013.
  11. HARC seeks Intern for Website Content Development and Social Media Integration. HARC is looking for a tech savvy and creative student pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with experience using Drupal, WordPress or similar online content management system. Advanced CSS and HTML knowledge, basic Photoshop skills,  PHP, MySQL, Drupal module development experience is  a plus but not a requirement of the position. We are looking for a candidate with strong communications skills and an ability to perform in a team environment. Duties will include, but not be limited to: organizing and publishing content to a Drupal website; maintaining a consistent look and feel throughout all web components as defined by graphic designer; copying, editing and proofreading all web content; and assisting in the creation of a custom Drupal theme. For more information about the position and to upload a resume, please visit http://mitchell.harc.edu/About/Jobs/Job?jobID=125. HARC is a non-profit research hub located in The Woodlands, TX that provides independent analysis on energy, air, and water issues to people seeking scientific answers.
  12. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator. Responsibilities include coordinating volunteer conservation programs and events (Adopt-a-Spot, Green Team, Trash Bash, Eagle Scouts, etc.) and leading activities on-site; coordinating volunteers for BBP special events (Regatta, Kids Day, etc.) and supervising on-site; developing and implementing new and innovative initiatives to expand the volunteer base with an emphasis on corporate volunteers (team building program, communication, recognition, etc.); developing and implementing initiatives to increase awareness of Buffalo Bayou Partnership (includes but not limited to scheduling presentations, representing Buffalo Bayou Partnership at city-wide events such as Earth Day at Discovery Green Park, outreach to residents living along the bayou, speakers’ bureau, etc.); and more. If interested, please send resume and cover letter to Ann Olsen, President, Buffalo Bayou Partnership/ 1113 Vine St, Suite 200/ Houston, TX 77002, or info@buffalobayou.org (No phone calls please).
  13. Hermann Park Conservancy is currently seeking a full-time office manager/bookkeeper. The office manager/bookkeeper is responsible for overseeing the financial management of the organization and for maintaining all financial records, from day-to-day data input to monthly closing journal entries to preparing financial statements. This position is also responsible for the day-to-day office management, including ordering and maintaining office supplies, office equipment, and payroll. This position reports to the executive director. To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.hermannpark.org.
  14. Houston Wilderness seeks Event Planning Intern. Houston Wilderness seeks an energetic and creative individual to assist with the planning and implementation of a Houston Wilderness summer environmental adventure challenge and fundraising event. The event will highlight the Wilderness Passport which features regional parks, preserves, and nature centers in the 10 major ecoregions surrounding Houston and provide an action event for interested donors and their families. The Event Planning Intern will be able to list development and completion of the project on their resume. The Event Planning Intern will assist in planning, implementing, and promoting the event. Responsibilities include: working within event timeline; assisting with designing digital invitations; managing multiple lists of donors, supporters, and invitees; working with proprietary information; interfacing with staff, Houston Wilderness board members and participants; promoting summer event through various written and social media outlets; and managing event set up and breakdown. To apply, email a resume, cover letter, writing sample (no longer than one page, double-spaced), and three references to holly@houstonwilderness.org.
  15. Houston Wilderness seeks Website and Social Media Intern. Houston Wilderness seeks an energetic, tech savvy, creative individual to coordinate website and social media to support regional conservation efforts. Houston Wilderness is embarking on two different website development projects – one involving its existing website and one involving a dynamic, multi-partner website with key environmental organizations around the Houston region. Working on these website projects will provide an intern with an opportunity to work on challenging web design and function as well as become involved at the ground floor with the new Get Outdoors Houston! Initiative. The intern will also have an opportunity to network with partner organizations, such as Texas Parks & Wildlife Service, Cornell lab of Ornithology, the Houston Zoo, Houston Audubon, Katy Prairie Conservancy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Website and Social Media Intern will create and distribute digital media and content through a variety of channels to engage diverse audiences. To apply, email a resume, cover letter, writing sample (no longer than one page-double spaced), and three references to holly@houstonwilderness.org.
  16. Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist. Based at Sheldon Lake State Park, Houston, TX. Responsibilities include: Under the direction of the Outdoor Education and Outreach Coordinator for Texas State Parks, this position serves as lead instructor for overnight camping workshops, and outdoor activity program delivery to promote the use of State Parks to non-traditional visitors. Responsible for organizing, conducting and evaluating Texas Outdoor Family workshops within the Houston-area State Parks. Serves as a community liaison between State Parks and Houston-area organizations. Develops relationships with community partners who serve diverse audiences, conduct outdoor leadership trainings to prepare group leaders and volunteers to lead overnight camping and outdoor education experiences. View the full details of the position and learn how to apply at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tpwd/.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Texas Capitol 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 of the regular session was Monday, May 27, 2013, but Governor Perry has called a 30-day special session.  Learn more at www.legis.state.tx.us.

Thousands of bills have been passed by the legislature, although many are tributes of various types. For a complete list, visit http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Reports/Report.aspx?LegSess=83R&ID=passed.

Texas Bottle Bill writes that the Texas Beverage Container Recycling Incentive, HB 1473 and SB 645, were both left pending in committee. That status, “in committee,” is significant. To put it in perspective, more than 4,000 bills were filed in the House, and close to 2000 in the Senate. HB 1473 and SB 645 were among the few to be referred to a committee. Even fewer still are actually awarded a hearing (as both HB 1473 and SB 645 were). The Texas Bottle Bill Team is thanking all supporters and preparing for 2015. To stay updated, keep checking their website, Facebook, and Twitter postings.

The Texas Sierra Club provides its answer to the question, “How did Texas’ Environment Fare during the Legislative Session?” In a letter to subscribers, they highlight legislative  activities related to the following goals:

  • Comprehensive water infrastructure
  • Funding for public parks and wildlife
  • Texas Emissions Reduction Plan
  • Clean and renewable energy
  • Sunset Reviews for Texas Public Utility Commission and Railroad
    Commission
  • Public health and safety related to oil and gas development
  • Public review of environmental permitting and enforcement

Websites with updates on environmental legislation:

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UPCOMING EVENTS If you attend one of these events, please let them know you heard about it here! Visit the calendar at cechouston.org.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Sunday, June 9, 2013

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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.

Donate Now!

CEC and other leading environmental organizations participate in payroll
contribution plans at many Texas workplaces through Earth Share of Texas.
Find out how you can support CEC at 800-GREENTX or www.earthshare-texas.org.

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CEC agencies receive donations when you choose Green Bank. Visit www.greenbank.com for more information about the program.

Rachel Powers, Executive Director

Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor

Rachel Tardiff, Calendar Editor

(713) 524-4232

news@cechouston.org

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