Community Notes 07-16-2012

1. Metro Community Meeting: General Mobility Program. On July 18, Metro will hold the final community meeting to receive public input on whether to dedicate a full 1% sales tax to transit, or to continue to divert those funds to road projects and halt transit expansion in Houston, or to craft some sort of compromise that might extend the diversion only until 2030. More information is on the Metro page and on the Houston Tomorrow page.
2. Houston Green Chamber of Commerce & B2G Professional Network Collaboration. Houston Green Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Business-2-Green Professional Network group to bring you real-time collaboration and pay-it-forward networking with Houston leaders in sustainable living. In addition, gain some key insights on how you can help in creating a vibrant green local economy committed to social and environmental conscious responsibility! Join this growing network of innovative business professionals who are creating a sustainable world future now. This month’s speakers will discuss how education is key to the success of taking sustainable business and lifestyle practices mainstream. This event will take place on July 18th from 5:30-8pm at The Fairview Lounge (315 Fairview Street). RSVP at http://greenchamberb2g.eventbrite.com/.
3. EPA Accepting Comments on Proposed Clean Air Standards for Particle Pollution. A federal court ruling required EPA to update the standards based on best available science. The proposed updates, which meet that requirement, build on steps already taken by EPA to reduce pollution in communities across the country. EPA is accepting written comments until August 31, 2012. More information on submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/pm/actions.html.
4. New Sand and Gravel Rules. A new state law, House Bill 571, requires certain aggregate production operations to register with the TCEQ. Aggregates are materials used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed and broken limestone, crushed and broken granite, dirt, soil, or caliche. The TCEQ adopted new rules implementing HB 571 on June 13, 2012; you can find these new rules in 30 Texas Administrative Code, Ch. 342. More information is on the TCEQ website:  www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/aposg.
5. Trinity River Refuge New Paved Road is Open. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge’s new paved road is back open for public use starting on Friday, July 13. This site located at the end of CR 417 off of FM 1409. In addition to the road, there is new striping, signage and a speed bump along with the butterfly garden parking area being paved. An electric gate that will automatically close at sundown and re-open at sunrise is planned for the near future. The Champion Lake Public Use Area is free and open to fishing, hiking, butterfly and bird watching, waterfowl hunting with a refuge permit, and limited boating. It is open 7 days a week during daylight hours only. This new road is posted at 20 mph speed limit and radar enforced. If you have any questions, please call Stuart Marcus, Refuge Manager, at 936/336-9786.
6. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). This week’s broadcast will include:
   • Texas on Two Wheels
   • TPWD People: Steve Magnelia
   • Sheldon Lake Environmental Learning Center*
   • Images for Conservation
7. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html
   • July 17: Green–Good. Moderate winds and lower incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
   • July 18: Green–Good. Moderate winds and lower incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
   • July 19: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.