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October 27, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update October 29, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update October 29, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Office Warming Open House
  2. I recycled. I voted. What’s Next? A Collaborative Primer on Civic Engagement for Houston’s Environmental Community
  3. Welcome New Subscribers
  4. Environmental Summit Call for Presentations and Sponsors
  5. Workplace Giving Season

COALITION NOTES

  1. Public Forum: Master Planning Process for Memorial Park
  2. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference
  3. 21st Annual Houston Conservation Luncheon
  4. Effluent Bacterial Loading Workshop
  5. Collaborative Access Program Event: A Local Perspective on Collaborative Projects & Ecosystem Services
  6. KPC Wild West Tour: Nocturnal Naturalist
  7. Birds In Flight Identification Workshop
  8. Towers and Trees Walking Tour
  9. Nurture Nature Festival
  10. Our Great Region 2040
  11. Transition Houston’s November Meeting
  12. Houston Green Building Tour: Houston Parks & Recreation Department HQ
  13. H-GAC Fall Planning Workshop
  14. Native Prairie Plant-a-thon
  15. Run to Support Hermann Park
  16. 33rd Annual Martyn Farm Harvest Festival
  17. Coastal Prairie Partnership Grant

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World
  2. 2nd Annual West University Recycles Day
  3. 5th Annual Bellaire Recycles Fest
  4. Pollution Prevention and Lean Principles Workshop
  5. Texas Watershed Steward Workshop
  6. Time to Act on Climate: EPA Listening Session on Carbon Pollution
  7. Public Meeting: Cypress Creek Overflow Management Study
  8. Hike & Seek
  9. Gulf Coast Bioneers
  10. 2013 Feral Hog Management Workshop
  11. The Green Cup Challenge
  12. News from TCEQ
  13. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  14. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Texas industries’ climate-changing pollution far surpasses other states’ (Texas Climate News, 10/25/2013)
  2. Feds endorse plan to save rare bird (Matthew Tresuague – Houston Chronicle, 10/23/2013)
  3. Greenways projects underway as capital campaign begins  (Jayme Fraser – Houston Chronicle – 10/23/2013)
    Related: King: Vision of parks, trails on bayou taking shape (Bill King – Houston Chronicle – 10/24/2013)
  4. Water Researchers Mull Over Prop 6 (Christie Post – KEYE TV, 10/22/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Artist Boat seeks Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager
  2. NEW! Environment Associates seeks Project Design / Production Associate

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

As we gear up for Halloween, here are some scary things to think about from the Texas Civic Health Index:

  • Texas residents are ranked 51st for voter turnout
  • Texas residents are ranked 42nd for volunteering
  • Texans trust their neighbors less than residents of most other states do

If you don’t like these figures, this is a GREAT week to do something about it!

  • Go vote! Early voting ends just after the pumpkins, on Friday November 1, 2013, and the election is on November 5 (http://www.votetexas.gov/).
  • You can always find local, environmental volunteer opportunities on VolunteerMatch.org.
  • Get to know our environmental community! CEC has an open house on November 14, and a civic engagement seminar on November 19. Read on to learn more.

Office Warming Open House

Thursday, November 14, 2013, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Meet your neighbors in the environmental community at our new office! Bring your St. Arnold six-pack holders for recycling–and help us empty and recycle the full six-pack holders they are donating. We’ll have great food, too. Look for us at 751 Silver St.

I recycled. I voted. What’s Next? A Collaborative Primer on Civic Engagement for Houston’s Environmental Community

On October 19, 2013, Dr. Regina G. Lawrence, Director of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at the University of Texas School of Communication, will share information about the Texas Civic Health Index, published earlier this year. The Index provides a comprehensive, first-time look at civic and political engagement in Texas. It presents information about who engages in their communities, in politics, and how–and provides insight in how to encourage engagement.

The event will start at 6:00 pm with registration and networking. Dr. Lawrence will present at 6:30, and will be followed by a panel of local environmental experts working in various ways to increase engagement. RSVP requested for planning purposes.

Welcome New Subscribers Thank you to Sarah, Tyson, and Amaline for subscribing online, and to Ruthanne, Maruthi, Debbie, Kishere, Kathy, Deanna, Lisa, Whitney, and Robbin who signed up at our booth at Downtown Fest on Thursday. A big shout out to the folks who liked our Facebook page: Natalie, Yvonne, Sharon, Howard, Katherine, Hal, and Celine. We are grateful to have you part of our environmental community.  www.facebook.com/CEChouston

Environmental Summit Call for Presentations and Sponsors
Please get in touch with Rachel if you would like to present at or sponsor the CEC Environmental Summit on February 13, 2013.

Workplace Giving Season. Fall is the time when many companies give their employees an opportunity to make workplace giving decisions. CEC, and several of our member organizations, participate in EarthShare Texas. The mission of EarthShare Texas is to support the work of its participating organizations to conserve and protect our natural resources through participation in payroll contribution charitable campaigns at public and private worksites in Texas.

Examples of workplaces that include the option to donate through EarthShare Texas include:

  • ChevronEarthShare of Texas logo
  • Aetna
  • Allstate Insurance
  • AT&T
  • El Paso Corporation
  • Halliburton
  • Hawes Hill & Associates
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Wal-Mart
  • Wells Fargo
  • State Employee Charitable Campaign
  • Combined Federal Campaign
  • City of Houston’s Combined Municipal Campaign
  • and many, many more…

Through EarthShare, you can direct your donation to just CEC, a selection of your favorite environmental nonprofits, or all of the organizations that participate in EarthShare Texas.

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COALITION NOTES

  1. Public Forum: Master Planning Process for Memorial Park. Be a part of the planning process for Memorial Park by attending the first in a series of public forums related to the long-term Master Plan for the Park. The forum will be held on October 29, 2013, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. For more information, email development@memorialparkhouston.org.
  2. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference. The next USGBC UnConference will be October 30, 2013. These UnConferences will be highly interactive, designed to bring together those who need Recycling help and those who can provide it. If you’re wanting to recycle more but have challenges that you’d like help in overcoming, these UnConferences are for you! Email recycling@usgbctexasgulfcoast.org if you have any questions! http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/
  3. 21st Annual Houston Conservation Luncheon. Join The Nature Conservancy for their 21st Annual Conservation Luncheon, featuring world-renowned explorer and adventurer Peter Hillary. Son of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to successfully climb Mt. Everest, Hillary has adventure woven into his DNA. The luncheon will take place on October 31, 2013, from 11am-1pm, at the Houston Hyatt Regency Downtown.  Learn more at www.nature.org.
  4. Effluent Bacterial Loading Workshop. Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service and Galveston Bay Bay Conservation and Preservation Association present this Effluent Bacterial Loading Workshop. Join this workshop on November 1, 2013, 1-5pm at League City Civic Center to review bacteria effluent regulations, issues causing violations, laboratory testing overview, and best practices for resolving bacteria violations. Galveston Bay Foundation will also provide participants with an update on the Upper Gulf Coast Oyster Waters TMDL Implementation Plan, and their activities around the bay to help reduce bacteria levels. 4.0 CEU credits, refreshments and raffle prizes will be offered. This workshop is offered free of charge for Wastewater operators/superintendents, lab personnel, watershed planners, TMDL workgroup/committee members, etc. Registration is required. For questions and to register, contact at Charlene Bohanon at cbohanon@galvbay.org. http://cechouston.org/
  5. Collaborative Access Program Event: A Local Perspective on Collaborative Projects & Ecosystem Services. The services nature provides to humans, also known as ecosystem services, are important to our wellbeing. Come for a conversation with Mary Anne Piacentini, Executive Director of Katy Prairie Conservancy, as she illustrates how local collaborative partnerships are working to develop a better understanding of the benefits of our region’s diverse natural resources. This event will be held on October 31, 2013, 9-10:30am (please note time change), at United Way of Greater Houston. To RSVP, please email Holly Thorson at holly@houstonwilderness.org or visit www.houstonwilderness.org.
  6. KPC Wild West Tour: Nocturnal Naturalist. Join Master Naturalist and Bird Guide, Glenn Olsen, on a twilight tour of the autumn prairie. Watch as animals of the day find shelter for the evening and the nighttime prairie comes to life. Dinner will be included in this nocturnal adventure. The adventure will take place on November 1, 2013, 6-9pm at Kate Prairie’s Indiangrass Preserve. http://cechouston.org/
  7. KPC Wild West Tour: Nocturnal Naturalist. Join Master Naturalist and Bird Guide, Glenn Olsen, on a twilight tour of the autumn prairie. Watch as animals of the day find shelter for the evening and the nighttime prairie comes to life. Dinner will be included in this nocturnal adventure on November 1, 2013, 6-9pm, at the Indiangrass Preserve. The cost is $50. Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/.
  8. Birds In Flight Identification Workshop. On November 2, 2013, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will host a one-day workshop focusing on identification of birds in flight. This will include all birds, not just raptors, and will be taught by Tony Leukering. The fee is $75 and will include time on the tower with Tony from 8am-3pm with drinks and snacks provided. If you would like to sign up, please contact sheath@gcbo.org. http://cechouston.org/
  9. Towers and Trees Walking Tour. Towers and Trees Downtown Tour explores the magnificent architecture between Hermann Square and Discovery Green as well as the changing dynamics of downtown. The tour will look at the partially realized civic center plan surrounding Hermann Square, the historic backbone of Main Street, the ambitious 1970 proposal that would become Houston Center, the internationally recognized icons from the skyscraper boom of the 70′s and 80′s, and Discovery Green, the newest catalyst for downtown development in Houston. The tour will take place on November 2, 2013, 10am-noon, beginning at Hermann Square at City Hall. The cost is $5 for ArCH and AIA Houston Members Architecture students with current ID; and $10 for non-members. https://aiahouston.org/
  10. Nurture Nature Festival. Enjoy a FREE family event that introduces the plants and animals of the Baytown area on November 2, 2103, 10am-4pm, at the Baytown Nature Center. Exhibits and activities include guided nature walks, watering hold golf, kid fish tank, coastal artifact dig, rock wall and inflatables, and live animals. Learn more at http://cechouston.org/.
  11. Our Great Region 2040. Our Great Region 2040 is a high-level plan whose aim is for Our Region to be one of the world’s greatest places to live, work, and succeed, as defined by measurable goals, by the year 2040. It is the result of the efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of people from across H-GAC’s 13-county service area. It is based on research, analysis, and extensive public input, along with the knowledge and expertise of local leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, spanning Our Region’s urban, suburban, rural, and coastal areas. The draft Our Great Region 2040 plan was released for public comment on October 16, 2013. The public comment period will run through November 15, 2013. During this time you may provide your comments either at one of 3 more open houses (11/6 in Conroe, 11/7 in Katy, 11/9 in central Houston) or online at the plan website ourregion.org.
  12. Transition Houston’s November Meeting. Transition Houston’s November meeting will be on Monday, November 4, and will feature Mindy Vanderford who will be talking about Unconventional Gas Extraction: Good News, Bad News. This will be a general talk on environmental problems with hydraulic fracturing–including emissions of greenhouse gases–and some of the good things that may result. We will be meeting in the upstairs conference room of the Green Building Resource Center, 1002 Washington Ave., Houston 77002. The meeting starts at 7:00pm with our guest speaker and initiative updates, then breaks at 8:30pm for conversation, community, and refreshments until 9:00pm. Please see our event listing at http://www.transitionhouston.org/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/.
  13. Houston Green Building Tour: Houston Parks & Recreation Department HQ. As one in a series of free tours of green buildings in Houston, you are invited to see the LEED for New Construction GOLD Houston Parks & Recreation Headquarters, on Friday, November 8, 2013, in an “open house style” guided tour approximately every 30 minutes from 11am-2pm. The Tour will take place at 2999 South Wayside Drive. The Houston Parks & Recreation Department HQ received Gold Level LEED Certification in 2011. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  14. H-GAC Fall Planning Workshop. Please join the Houston-Galveston Area Council for the annual fall planning workshop for local governments on Friday, November 8, 2013, from 9am-12:30pm. This year’s workshop will focus on planning for an aging community. The workshop will be held in H-GAC’s Conference Room A located at 3555 Timmons Lane, Houston, TX, 77027. http://cechouston.org/
  15. Native Prairie Plant-a-thon. Volunteers are needed to plant 2,500 native coastal prairie grasses and forbs. This event will help the park continue the restoration of 400 acres from farmland to native prairie habitat and reestablish the diverse wildlife that it once had. Located in northeast Harris County, Sheldon Lake Environ­mental Learning Center is visited by thousands of children and adults each year who take guided nature walks, study ecosystems, go fishing, experience pond ecology, and see alternative energy in action. Restoring this prairie will enhance the educational programs at the Learning Center. Come out and volunteer for the Native Prairie Plant-a-thon on November 9, 2013, from 8am-noon. Contact laura.babcock@tpwd.texas.gov or visit http://cechouston.org/.
  16. Run to Support Hermann Park. Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 8 a.m. Put your running shoes on and join us for HPC’s 10th annual Run in the Park. The scenic 5K course will twist and turn along Hermann Park’s carriage trails under the canopy of the Park’s historic live oaks. The event consists of a 5K Run/Walk, a 1K Kids’ Fun Run, and a post-race party around the Pioneer Memorial Obelisk in Molly Ann Smith Plaza in Hermann Park. Advance registration cost for adults: $30; for kids: $15. For more info, click here.
  17. 33rd Annual Martyn Farm Harvest Festival. Each fall since 1981, the Martyn Farm at Armand Bayou Nature Center has given visitors the opportunity to turn back the clock to circa 1900. Life on a Gulf Coast farm could be harsh, but also simple. Harvest time was hard work, but a time for family and community fun. The journey to the past begins November 9-10, 2013, from 10am-4pm, at the 33rd annual Martyn Farm Harvest Festival. The popular event is one the local community looks forward to every year. Enter the general store to shop for homemade jams, jellies, pickles, local honey and more; see local artisans demonstrate nearly forgotten crafts such as spinning, quilting, weaving, blacksmithing, calligraphy, lace making and wood carving; visit the 1895 Hanson farmhouse where the wide, wraparound porch beckons you to sit and rock while enjoying dulcimer music from the North Harris County Dulcimer Society or flute melodies from the Spring Cypress Flute Circle; let your kids enjoy games, pie-eating contests, cupcake walks and children’s crafts; and enjoy the music and dancing which features square dancers, cloggers, bluegrass bands, a German band, flute players and more. Delicious food and drinks are available for purchase throughout both days with tables and benches in the picnic area providing a place to enjoy lunch and relax, while listening to nearby music. The cost for members is $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 4-12 and seniors (60+). For non-members the price is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-12 and seniors. Children 3 and under are free. http://cechouston.org/
  18. Coastal Prairie Partnership Grant. Coastal Prairie Partnership is offering a small ($250) grant to assist a school/teacher in furthering pollinator education at their school. If you know of a school or teacher who might be a good fit for this grant, please pass the information on. The grant deadline is December 1, 2013. Download CPP Grant Flyer.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Join Society for Ecological Restoration, Texas Chapter, and Texas Riparian Association along the banks of the South Llano River on the campus of Texas Tech University’s Llano River Field Station for TXSER and TRA’s 2013 Conference, The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Participants will enjoy: Friday field trips and workshop; stimulating presentations on topics related to restoration, management and conservation issues in Texas; opportunities to network with fellow environmentalists; delicious meals; a social and poster session; and awards for lifetime achievement in the field and for student posters and presentations. The conference will be held November 1-2, 2013. Registration is now open. Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/.
  2. 2nd Annual West University Recycles Day. Get ready for green. On Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 11am-2pm, the City of West University Place will be hosting its second annual West U Recycles Day event. Held at Colonial Park on 4130 Byron Street, West U Recycles Day is a local event where the nearby communities can come together to enhance the spirit of reduce, reuse, and recycle. West U Recycles Day is inspired by America Recycles Day, a program of Keep America Beautiful. This year will feature a recycled art contest for children, fun music, green-inspired children activities, collection of recyclables, food trucks, and exhibitors creating awareness on things you can do to reduce your waste footprint. The event is great for the whole family, so bring the kids, your appetite, and your thirst for knowledge, and be ready to have a great time while learning more about resource conservation. More details at http://www.westutx.gov/.
  3. 5th Annual Bellaire Recycles Fest. The Bellaire Environmental and Sustainability Board will celebrate the fifth-annual Bellaire Recycles Fest from 9am-1pm on November 2, 2013 at Loftin Park, 5100 Laurel St. The Bellaire Recycles Fest is a community-focused event featuring for-profit and non-profit businesses and organizations that focus on green practices, products and services. The event is held to raise awareness and educate the community on the economic, social and environmental benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling. There will be a convenient drive through drop-off at the Condit Elementary School parking lot to recycle electronics, batteries, paint, scrap metal, clothing and sensitive documents for shredding. More at http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/.
  4. Pollution Prevention and Lean Principles Workshop. A Pollution Prevention and Lean Principles Workshop will be held in Houston from November 5-7, 2013. This course will provide you with the opportunity to improve the efficiency of your organization through the elimination of pollutants and the application of lean principles within an environmental managmeent system. The first day will focus on how an EHS manager can transform their role as “EHS compliance officer” into a sutainability and profit manager. There will also be an overview of principles of lean operations so you are equipped to improve the bottom line, reduce your regulatory burdens, and increase the overall efficiency of your organization. The next two days will be an interactive workshop lead by experts in pollution prevention, environmental management systems (EMS), environmental regulations, and energy efficiency. The course will walk you through the process of composing a pollution prevention plan or renewing your pollution prevention plan to ensure you get the most from your efforts. Finally participants in this course will integrate their lean and polluton prevention plan using detailed value stream mapping. The fee is $495. More at https://web-ded.uta.edu/.
  5. Texas Watershed Steward Workshop. Two free Texas Watershed Stewards Workshops on water quality and availability issues in the Greater Houston Area will be held November 5 and 6, 2013 from 8am-4pm. The Texas Watershed Steward workshops are free, one-day educational workshops designed to help watershed residents improve and protect their water resources by getting involved in local watershed protection and management activities. The workshops will provide an overview of water quality and watershed management in Texas. They will primarily focus on water quality issues in the Houston area as well as efforts by the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and area residents to help improve water resources and the health of the surrounding watersheds. Both workshops are free, but seating will be limited and participants are encouraged to preregister at http://tws.tamu.edu.
  6. Time to Act on Climate: EPA Listening Session on Carbon Pollution. This summer, President Obama committed the U.S. to be a global leader on curbing climate disruption and proposed that we start by limiting carbon pollution from power plants. Currently, there are no limits on the amount of carbon pollution spewed into the air by power plants. It’s time to change that. As they prepare to set carbon pollution standards for existing power plants, the EPA is holding a listening session on November 7, 2013, 10am-3pm, in Dallas for community members and stakeholders. This is your opportunity to let your voice be heard and to tell the EPA that our planet and our futures depend on strong, just action to address climate disruption. RSVP today! Learn more at http://action.sierraclub.org/.
  7. Public Meeting: Cypress Creek Overflow Management Study. The Harris County Flood Control District is engaged in the Cypress Creek Overflow Management Plan study to develop a plan to manage flood risks in an area with unique hydrologic conditions that experiences overflows from the Cypress Creek watershed. This area encompasses upper Cypress Creek (upstream of US 290), the drainage area upstream of Addicks Reservoir, including Langham Creek, Bear Creek and South Mayde Creek, and that portion of the overflow area draining into Barker Reservoir that flows through Harris County. Approximately 60 square miles of upper Cypress Creek watershed originate in Waller County and drain into Harris County. The Flood Control District and Harris County received a flood protection planning grant from the Texas Water Development Board to partially support this effort to gain consensus for a regional strategy to address the overflow. You are invited to attend one of two identical Public Meetings being held on November 7, 2013, the first from 2-4pm and the second from 6:30-8:30pm, at the Harris County Precinct 3 Bear Creek Community Center. An update on the planning effort will be presented, followed by discussion and receipt of comments from the public. http://cechouston.org/
  8. Hike & Seek. Hike & Seek is an outdoor adventure specially designed for children ages 3-10. Join the National Wildlife Federation for a family-friendly 1-2 mile hike and discover exciting activities along the way including a scavenger hunt, nature games and crafts, live wildlife displays, stations along the trail with our volunteer naturalists, the chance to meet Ranger Rick and so much more. This exciting event will take place on November 9, 2013 at Cullinan Park at Oyster Creek in Sugarland. Register now at hikeandseek.org. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/.
  9. Gulf Coast Bioneers. Join Gulf Coast Bioneers for a two-day forum exploring the practical solutions and innovative social strategies that are revitalizing our community. Connect with other on-the-ground innovators, change agents, and thought leaders from business, education, government, and the community.  The conference will be held in Houston from November 8-9, 2013. Saturday conference pass is $65. Sunday and Saturday conference pass is $85. Register HERE.
  10. 2013 Feral Hog Management Workshop. The Feral Hog Management Workshop will be held on Saturday, November 9, from 8am-4:30pm at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Building D located at 4310 Highway 36 South in Rosenberg. Topics include: Basic biology of feral swine & feral hog implications to the watershed; Population dynamics of feral hogs; Laws & regulations for hunting feral hogs; Water quality in southeast Texas; and more. Please register by November 6. Early registration is $15 per person. On site is $20 per person. There are no refunds. http://cechouston.org/
  11. The Green Cup Challenge. The Green Cup Challengeâ„¢ invites all schools — public and private, day and boarding schools — to measure and reduce campus electricity use and green house gas emissions, and supports campus greening efforts including recycling and water conservation. It is a month long, inter-school competition that empowers students and builds community, while raising awareness about climate change and the importance of resource conservation. The challenge will be held from November 4, 2013 – December 6, 2013. The last day to register is October 28th. More at http://greencupchallenge.net/.
  12. News from TCEQ.
    • Rulemaking Actions: TCEQ has filed a proposal relating to greenhouse gas permitting for publication in the Texas Register.
    • Upcoming hearings: Control of Air Pollution From Motor Vehicles, 10/29/2013 at H-GAC, other hearings to be held elsewhere in state; Rainwater Harvesting, 11/5/2013 in Austin; Greenhouse Gas Permitting, 12/5/2013 in Austin.
    • TCEQ Agenda meeting: November 6, 2013 draft: enforcement orders for water quality violations in Montgomery County; petroleum storage tank violations in Liberty, Montgomery and Harris Counties; public drinking water violations in Brazoria County; rulemaking related to Radioactive Substance Rules and to several items related to clean air grants (drayage, clean fleet, clean vehicles, etc.)
    • Permit Hearings: None listed for our region.
  13. 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).
    • Recovery at Possum Kingdom
    • Texas Horned Lizards
    • Lone Star Land Steward: Texas Westmoreland Coal Company
    • Remembering Bois d’Arc Creek
  14. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
      • October 29, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
      • October 30, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
      • October 31, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming 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. Texas industries’ climate-changing pollution far surpasses other states’ (Texas Climate News, 10/25/2013)
    Texas industrial facilities led all other states by a huge margin in their release of heat-trapping carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases in 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced this week. The EPA report, based on data provided by about 8,000 facilities across the nation, showed that the ones in Texas said they emitted about 393 million metric tons of greenhouse gases last year – 12.5 percent of the nationwide total of 3.13 billion metric tons.
    http://texasclimatenews.org/
  2. Feds endorse plan to save rare bird (Matthew Tresuague – Houston Chronicle, 10/23/2013)
    The lesser prairie chicken might not be listed as threatened if enough energy companies and ranchers voluntarily agree to preserve the football-sized grouse’s habitat in Texas and other states, federal officials said Wednesday. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endorsed a conservation plan by the five states in the imperiled bird’s habitat as a way to protect it while avoiding the more rigid endangered-species listing, which could put the brakes on oil and gas drilling and other activities in parts of West Texas.
    http://www.chron.com/
  3. Greenways projects underway as capital campaign begins  (Jayme Fraser – Houston Chronicle – 10/23/2013) the Houston Parks Board and its public partners hope to revive some of the city’s natural treasures through Bayou Greenways 2020, a 150-mile trail system that, once complete, will wind along the bayous long seen as an interruption to Houston’s urban sprawl. www.houstonchronicle.com

    Related:
    King: Vision of parks, trails on bayou taking shape (Bill King – Houston Chronicle – 10/24/2013)  Bill King says the use of a realistic financing system that matches bond money with private donations shows how big ideas can become reality. Bacon, a University of Texas at Austin and Rice University graduate, who started his career with Gerald Hines Real Estate, was a man possessed even back then with the idea of using Houston’s most prominent geographic feature (and we don’t have many) as the backbone for a park system. www.houstonchronicle.com

  4. Water Researchers Mull Over Prop 6 (Christie Post – KEYE TV, 10/22/2013)
    According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, fall rains continue to ease drought conditions, but our water-supply drought continues. Proposition 6 aims to solve some of these issues. But the question still remains: Will $2 billion in water projects do the trick, or should we simply wait for more rain? Researchers, policy makes, business owners and engineers discussed the answer at a water, technology and policy event at University of Texas.
    http://www.keyetv.com/
    Scoop.it Page. The CEC is now maintaining a page on
    Scoop.it. Check it out! http://www.scoop.it/t/citizens-environmental-coalition-houston

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GREEN JOBS Tell them you heard about it from us! Previously posted job
listings can be found on CEC’s
Green Jobs page.

  1. NEW! Artist Boat seeks Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager. Full job announcement. The Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager is primarily responsible for fostering, designing, managing, maintaining, and growing Artist Boat’s Habitat Restoration Adventure Program, on-campus Native-Scaping Program, and newly forming Coastal Heritage Preserve. Job includes maintaining and fostering partnerships; developing and implementing habitat management and public access plans; restoring habitats; working with volunteers.  The Program Manager must be a highly motivated individual who is a natural leader that fosters collaboration and partnership; must be a planner who is deadline driven seeking to gain a high level of performance in the field of conservation; and must be able to enjoy working with people as much as being in the field as much as documenting and reporting on program achievements and/or data.   The “desk” work must be as important as the field work. This person must value working with partners face to face and over the phone or via email after relationships have been firmly established. Requirements: 1 to 2 years experience in outdoors education, arts, and/or environmental education and  1 to 2 years coordination or project management in habitat restoration and/or natural resource management.  Bachelors of Science. Starting Salary: Salary ($30,000 to $34,000) depending on experience, knowledge of Galveston Bay and Gulf environmental community, and proven ability to foster partnerships. Please send cover letter, resume, copy of transcript, and three letters from professional references to Karla Klay, Executive Director via mail at 2415 Avenue K, Galveston, Texas 77550 or kklay@artistboat.org through November 22, 2013. Anticipated start date December 15, 2013.  Otherwise, no calls or emails, please.
  2. NEW! Environment Associates seeks Project Design / Production Associate. Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants, is seeking a Project Design / Production Associate with an environmental ethic.  This position is immediately available. For a full description, visit www.environmentassoc.com. Applicants are not expected to have all the qualifications listed,  but they must be caring, kind, proactive, patient, inquisitive and possess certain skills and have the ability, desire and character to acquire new skills so they too become part of a team whose main goal is to do only those things that are good for life (i.e., contribute to the quality of all life). No calls please.

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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, October 29, 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Thursday, October 61, 2013

Friday, November 1, 2013

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Monday, November 4, 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.
Earth Share Logo

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

Rachel Powers, Executive Director
Sophany Touch, IREX Community Solutions Fellow/Wildlife Alliance
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
Stephanie Hernandez, Communications Coordinator
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org
cechouston.org
www.facebook.com/cecHouston

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