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December 16, 2016

Houston Environmental News Update December 21, 2016

Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter.

Happy holidays from your friends at the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition!

As you know, the CEC is dedicated to protecting the fragile environment of our Houston/Gulf Coast region. But to continue our important work, we need the assistance of generous people like you.

CEC carries out a variety of crucial initiatives, such as producing our weekly e-newsletter, Houston Environmental News Update; publishing our Environmental Resource Guide; providing our friends with a continuous listing of green jobs in the Houston/Gulf Coast region; hosting unique annual events like the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour and our Greater Houston Environmental Summit.

Without the generous donations of friends like you, the CEC would not be able to continue these vital efforts. That’s why, as we near the end of 2016, I’m asking you to consider making a holiday gift to the CEC. To make a donation in any amount, please click here.


Through December 31, 2016, donate with PayPal Giving Fund and 101% of your donation will be given directly to the CEC. You can also send a check made out to the CEC to PO Box 702, Houston, TX 77001.

Let’s redouble our efforts in the new year to preserve our water, air, land, and wildlife.

Sincerely,

Rachel Powers
Executive Director

The banner photo is from the Houston Audubon Facebook page. We selected it to highlight the Christmas Bird Counts. The first Christmas Bird Count began in 1900, when one man inspired a bird hunting tradition to turn into a bird counting tradition. Since then, CBCs have provided important information on the continent’s bird populations-leading to targeted and effective conservation plans. Please join this tradition by participating in a CBC. This year, Houston Audubon is highlighting two CBCs that help us assess urban bird populations: Central Houston CBC and Buffalo Bayou CBC. Details and sign up contacts for even more counts can be found at houstonaudubon.org.

Earlier this year, in June, we asked you to identify the most significant environmental accomplishments, controversies, issues, news, and events in the greater Houston region. Now that the year is coming to a close, we’d like to hear what you think now. Please consider sharing your thoughts in this survey. We’ll report back on your responses. Next week, we’ll be asking for thoughts about 2017.

Here are some of the responses from earlier this year:

  • Public comment on the proposed solution for the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site
  • Local plastic bag regulations, state opposition to local regulation, and the City of Galveston’s unanimous decision to pursue regulation despite threatened litigation
  • NOT the Houston Bike Plan—but almost. (Fingers crossed!)
  • EPA petroleum refinery rulemaking, and legal efforts by Air Alliance Houston and others to ensure adequate opportunity for public input, including a special hearing here in Houston
  • Kick off of a revisitation of the Galveston Bay Plan
  • Climate Reality Project training here in Houston
  • The potential impact on the EPA, Department of the Interior, and other federal environmental programs as a result of November’s election
  • Tax Day Floods and subsequent floods–and a plethora of possible causes and consequences
  • Texas Supreme Court ruling regarding the City of Houston’s ability to enforce air quality laws.
  • City of Houston recycling contract renegotiation (and elimination of curbside glass pickup)
  • Warehouse fire in Spring Branch (which the Houston Chronicle covered as part “Chemical Breakdown,” an in-depth analysis of chemical safety risks)
  • The 5th Circuit upheld lawsuit against ExxonMobil for 10 million pounds of illegal pollution at Baytown refinery and chemical plant
  • Pintail Landfill in Waller County and ongoing permit applications and denials
  • Encroachment of proposed raodways on the Katy Prairie
  • Build out of Bayou Greenways 2020

Other issues identified include use of the herbicide Glyphosate, proliferation of impervious surfaces such as concrete, leaf blowers, illegal dumping, and development.

CEC NOTES

2016wsfflogoTickets make great gifts!
Buy tickets at cecfilmfest2017.eventbrite.com! Tickets are now on sale for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour, on January 25 & 26, 2017! We’ll show 24 short films over two nights, including local films.

See your company’s logo on the BIG SCREEN!
Become a sponsor at the $250 level or higher and see your logo prior to a film of your choice. But be quick–this opportunity is only available through Monday. Download sponsorship information or contact rachel@cechouston.org.

Film Selections Announced!
We are excited to announce the film festival selections we will be showing in January. We will also show two local films; watch the choices on YouTube and tell us what you think using this survey.

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Learn more about the event at cechouston.org, and check out our facebook page for the latest updates.

Newsletter Schedule

The newsletter today and on Dec. 28, 2016, will be abbreviated, as staff will be working a holiday schedule. As always, send news and information to news@cechouston.org.

COALITION NOTES.

  1. Christmas Bird Counts. The 117th annual Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for December 14, 2016 to January 5, 2017. Organized by the National Audubon Society, this all-volunteer effort takes a snapshot of bird populations to monitor their status and distribution across the Western Hemisphere. The results are compiled into a database that is shared with federal, state, and private authorities. Past data can be viewed at the Audubon’s website. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels. Learn more about the plethora of locations and dates at houstonaudubon.com.
  2. Folk ‘n Oysters. Join Galveston Baykeeper on Dec. 30, 6 pm – 10 pm, for their annual Folk ‘n Oysters event. There will be beer and wine, oysters from the Galveston bay, and more great food and live music. Learn more and purchase tickets at galvestonbaykeeper.org.
  3. First Day Hikes. What better way to kick off the New Year than by getting a jump start burning off those extra holiday calories in the great outdoors?First-Day-HikesOn New Year’s Day, America’s State Parks have all 50 states offering free, guided First Day Hike Programs. These hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/first-day-hikes and http://www.naspd.org/initiatives-special-programs/first-day-hikes/ Sheldon Lake State Park is a member org
  4. Trees and Tees. Join Galveston Bay Foundation on Jan. 7, 2017, 9 am – 1 pm, at Turtle Bayou Nature Preserve. Help the Galveston community by planting a tree, and get a free T-shirt. Learn more at galvbay.org.
  5. HUG Talk – What to Plant Now w/Tommy Garcia of Finca Tres Robles.  Jan. 9, 2017, 6:30 pm. West Gray Community Center. In summer 2015, Tommy talked to us about getting started at Finca Tres Robles urban organic/permaculture farm & farmstand. It’s been another year & the farm is amazing! If you haven’t seen it lately, you need to!  https://www.facebook.com/events/1196996253685889
  6. Air Alliance Houston Earth Day Art Contest – Call for Submissions. For students in grades three through 12 in the Houston area. Deadline for submission is January 31, 2017. Air Alliance Houston is seeking submissions for its Earth Day Art Contest. Winning artwork will be shown on tour and then auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the winning schools’ art departments, and Air Alliance Houston’s educational programs. Please visit airalliancehouston.org for information on how to submit artwork or become a sponsor.
  7. CCL Third Coast Regional Conference. Feb 4, 2017. https://www.facebook.com/events/692413684258162/
  8. Ultimate Jewelry Estate Sale benefiting Hermann Park Conservancy. Still Christmas shopping to get done? Hermann Park Conservancy is one of several benefiting charities in this Jewelery Estate Sale, going on now until Jan. 21, 2017. For hours and more information about the estate sale, visit ultimatejewelryestatesale.com.
  9. Additional Upcoming Events

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Jim Blackburn’s Coastal Holiday Update 2016. Jim Blackburn started sending an annual coastal update and holiday greeting almost two decades ago, after he had entered a settlement agreement with Formosa Plastics. This year’s update includes information about the Whooping Cranes, hurricanes and the ship channel, freshwater inflows to Matagorda Bay, a possible new bridge to South Padre Island, the San Jacinto River Waste Pits, a new book for 2017, and how to get involved. Download the report (PDF) here.
  2. Houston Stands with Standing Rock. Houston Water Protectors will gather for a peaceful, non-violent solidarity action to urge banks to Defund DAPL and stop supporting the violence and human rights violations committed by North Dakota, Morton County, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Jan. 3, 2107. www.facebook.com.
  3. Clear Creek Clean-ups. The 18th Annual Clear Creek Clean-Up, hosted by the Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, will be on Feb. 11, 2017. Between now and then, CCFC will be hosting weekly pre-cleanups starting Jan. 7 & 8, 2017. http://clearcreekcleanup.org/
  4. Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Approves 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update. The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) held a public meeting on Friday, December 16th, 2016. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in his role as chair of the Council announced the approval of the Comprehensive Plan Update. This plan was unanimously adopted by the Council, which includes the five Gulf States (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) and six federal agencies (U.S. Departments of the Interior, Commerce, Agriculture, and Homeland Security, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army). A recording of the meeting and additional information about both The Comprehensive Plan Update 2016 and the Response to Public Comments can be found on the Council’s website,  www.RestoreTheGulf.gov.
  5. Plan Houston 2016. Plan Survey and Update. In 2015, Houston’s City Council took the groundbreaking step of adopting the city’s first general plan, Plan Houston. The Plan describes a vision and goals for our community and identifies twelve core strategies that represent the City’s approach for achieving the vision. The City of Houston is now actively working towards achieving the community goals laid out in Plan Houston. The next step is to understand the community’s interests so that policy makers can consider them as they develop City priorities for the next budget year. The City’s next fiscal year begins July 1, 2017. Your input, coupled with Plan Houston’s strategic guidance, ensures that the City will use its limited resources in the most effective means possible to improve our community. You can share your thoughts on what the City should be focusing on by responding to a brief survey. Learn more and take the survey at planhouston.org.
  6. Legislative Bills, Mapped. Jeff Reichmann of January Advisors created a map of which Texas legislators have proposed which bills. See where you live, who represents you, and how few environmental bills have been filed, although Agenda 21, Ad Valorem Property Taxes, the disposal of pesticides, and rule-breaking water utilities.
  7. Texas Water Conservation Association Convention. Registration Now Open The TWCA convention will take place March 1-3, 2017. It will take place at the Sheraton Hotel on Capital in Austin, TX. Please register and book your room ASAP! To register for the conference, click here.
  8. 2017 NFWF GEBF Project Solicitation. The Texas Trustee agencies (GLO, TPWD and TCEQ) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are in the process of soliciting projects for the 2017 funding cycle from the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund. During the next funding cycle (2017), there is approximately $37 million available for new projects in Texas. Learn more at www.restorethetexascoast.org. Deadlines begin on January 3, 2017.
  9. Texas Sea Grant Seeking Proposals. The proposals can come from investigators from ALL Texas universities and colleges. Non-profits, non-academic institutions,for profit organizations; state, local and Native American tribal governments are also eligible. Grant rewards will support outcome-oriented researchs that spans broad areas of natural, physical, social, behavioral, and economic sciences and engineering, will improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas’ coastal and marine resources. Proposals will aim to generate substantial social, economic, and environmental impacts in Texas. Funding priorities are now in development. Please complete the survey here. For more information on how to apply for the grant, visit texasgrant.org. Pre-proposal due date is Jan. 20, 2017. Full proposal due date is April 3, 2017. Award period is February 1, 2018 – January 31, 2020.
  10. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.
    • Pocket Prairies
    • Catching Carp
    • A Conservation Consultant
  11. Additional Upcoming Events

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