Houston Environmental News Update February 12, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update February 12, 2013

CEC NOTES

1. Visions for a Greener Houston

COALITION NOTES

1. Houston Green Film Series: American Meat with director Graham
   Meriwether
2. H-GAC Environmental Awareness Roundtable: Water Quality
3. Valentine’s Day Dinner and a Cruise at Hermann Park
4. Green Building Tour Invitation: Downtown YMCA
5. Texas Climate Issues
6. Healthy Communities Indicators Symposium 2013
7. Houston Audubon Birdathon is back
8. Artist Boat – Coastal Heritage Preserve
9. Kayak Certification Courses
10. 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (2040 RTP)
11. The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter testifies on Texas Budget
12. Birdies for the Birds – GCBO Golf Tournament

COMMUNITY NOTES

1. Civic Scientist Lecture featuring Sylvia Earle
2. Wanted: Coastal Ghost Busters
3. National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-School USA Workshop
4. Management of Urban Wildlife Workshop
5. MountainFILM Telluride
6. Recycling Cart Decorating Contest
7. Missouri City Future Parks Projects Online Survey
8. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
9. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

1. Travel Channel Names Galveston Island in Top 5 ‘Best Gulf Coast
   Beaches’ List (Guidry News, 2/7/13)
2. Houston To See New Generation Of Green Schools (Laura Isensee – KUHF
   News, 2/5/13)
3. Green Tips: Avoiding Toxics in the Home (Earth Share, 2/7/13)

GREEN JOBS

1. NEW! The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Youth Program
   Coordinator
2. NEW! The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew
   Leaders
3. NEW! The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine
   seeks Project Intern
4. NEW! The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine
   seeks Research Coordinator
5. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality seeks Galveston Bay Estuary
   Program supervisor
6. Updated! Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership seeks Watershed Director
7. Galveston Baykeeper seeks a Baykeeper/Wetland Watch Coordinator
8. HARC seeks a GIS/Remote Sensing Research Associate
9. Houston Endowment is seeking a Vice President For Programs

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

Visions for a Greener Houston

Please plan to join us in a participative, collaborative process, through a
series of working sessions, in a group effort to envision the year ahead.

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COALITION NOTES

1. Houston Green Film Series: American Meat with
   director Graham Meriwether. The Houston Green Film Series
   will continue on February 13, 2013, at 7pm at the Rice Media Center,
   Rice University Campus. American Meat is a documentary that takes a
   pro-farmer look at chicken, hog and cattle production in America.
   Beginning with a history of our current industrial system, the feedlots
   and confinement operations are unveiled, not through hidden cameras, but
   through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. From there, the
   story shifts to Polyface Farms, where the Salatin family has developed
   an alternative agricultural model based on rotational grazing and local
   distribution. Nationwide, a local-food movement of farmers, chefs, and
   everyday people has taken root… But could it ever feed us all? Learn
   more about the documentary at http://www.americanmeatfilm.com/.
2. H-GAC Environmental Awareness Roundtable: Water Quality. Many
   groups are working on education and involvement initiatives dealing with
   the same water quality problems in the region, but there is not
   currently much coordination amongst the groups for consistent messaging.
   Learn about regional efforts to address water quality, and provide input
   into common water quality issues and regional solutions. Wednesday,
   February 13, 2013, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Register on H-GAC’s
   CWI website.
3. Valentine’s Day Dinner and a Cruise at Hermann Park.
   Take in a beautiful sunset on the patio overlooking McGovern Lake at a
   special Valentine’s Day dinner in Hermann Park. A casual three-course
   meal will be catered by Pinewood Café. After the al fresco dinner,
   continue the celebration with a romantic 30-minute cruise around the
   lake on Hermann Park’s beloved pedal boats. The evening also includes
   chocolates and a flower for each couple to take home. Flamenco guitarist
   Lalo de Pilar will play throughout the evening. The dinner is $40 per
   couple. Learn more and make reservations at www.hermannpark.org.
4. Green Building Tour Invitation: Downtown YMCA. Green
   buildings provide greater energy efficiency and save money for owners
   and users, and the reuse of materials is better for the environment. The
   Downtown YMCA is a certified green building (LEED for New Construction-
   Gold level) and will holding a series of tours on February 15, 2013,
   11am-2pm. These small group guided tours will take approximately 25
   minutes each. They are free and open to the public. For additional
   information and a map, visit www.houstontx.gov/mayor/leedtour.pdf.
5. Texas Climate Issues. Did climate change help bring
   about the devastating Texas heat wave of 2011? In February, Texas State
   Climatologist John Neilsen-Gammon will walk through some of the science
   behind what has happening with our climate, particularly the 2011 heat
   wave that continues to impact The Woodlands vegetation and water
   resources. He will illustrate how researchers use computer models to
   better understand our climate and its changes. His lecture is part of
   the Going Green Sustainability Series organized and sponsored by The
   Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. In cooperation with The Woodlands Township
   Environmental Services Department. The lecture will be held at 7:00 pm,
   February 19, 2013, at the South Montgomery County Library. For more
   information, contact Cinda Hitchcock at (281) 363-2723 or http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org.
6. Healthy Communities Indicators Symposium 2013. After
   a year of deep-dive research on the indicators that measure the health
   of our region, Center for Houston’s Future will present its findings on
   February 22 at the 2013 Healthy Communities Indicator Symposium, at the
   George R. Brown Convention Center, hosted by Honorary Chair Dr. John
   Mendelsohn, along with prominent national and regional experts. Join
   policy makers, national experts, healthcare professionals, elected
   officials, and community leaders as we examine how the intersection of
   People and Place creates sustainable and healthy communities. Learn more
   at http://www.futurehouston.com/.
7. Houston Audubon Birdathon is back! Like birds, beer,
   and bikes? Just three ways to join the fun! Bird for conservation!
   Register online beginning March 1. Birdathon can be divided into two
   parts: “bird” and “athon.” The “bird” bit is a scavenger hunt challenge
   in which teams compete to see how many different bird species they can
   identify in 24 hours or less. The “athon” is the competitive fundraising
   portion in which each team competes to see how much money they can raise
   for Houston Audubon’s mission. Start a team or join one of our guided
   groups and have a blast while making a difference. Birding can be done
   anywhere in the state of Texas within the time period of March 17-May 5,
   as long as it is in a continuous 24-hour period or shorter. Learn more
   at www.houstonaudubon.org.
8. Artist Boat – Coastal Heritage Preserve. Artist Boat
   is establishing a Coastal Heritage Preserve on Galveston Island and is
   looking for teachers interested in exploring by kayak with their
   students. The grant to acquire land (the Coastal Heritage Preserve) will
   be providing the financial resources to launch three years of
   educational programming. Any teacher that schedules an Eco-Art Workshop
   for $150 will be able to have an Eco-Art Kayak Adventure to the Coastal
   Heritage Preserve for $150. Space is limited to 50 classes of 25
   students and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Artist Boat would
   love to schedule your workshop in your classroom during February or
   March and then schedule your kayak trip during March, April, or May.
   Book the kayak adventure in advance as only one adventure can happen a
   day. Contact LuAnne Ashley (lashley@artistboat.org or 409-770-0722) if
   you have any questions or to book the dates and times you want.
9. Kayak Certification Courses. Kayak Certification
   Courses are finally coming back to Galveston Island! Artist Boat is
   hosting an ACA Level 1 – 3 Coastal Kayaking Course (IDW/ICE) March 9-13,
   2013. These courses are designed to teach participants how to paddle
   correctly, perform rescues, maneuver kayaks and learn essential kayaking
   techniques. Upon successful completion participants will have an ACA
   Instructor Certification and professional kayak training. This is a
   great opportunity to get your staff, yourself and your friends up to
   date with the latest certifications and rules. If you have any other
   questions, feel free to contact Kelly Cloughly at
   kcloughly@artistboat.org or by phone at (409) 770-0722.
10. 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (2040 RTP). The
    Houston-Galveston Area Council and its planning partners are in the
    early stages of developing the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (2040
    RTP) and are seeking public input. A website
    and survey are
    available to find out which transportation issues are important to you.
    The Regional Transportation Plan is the blueprint for the transportation
    system in the eight counties of the Houston region and is developed
    every four years. The 2040 RTP describes how we respond to population
    and economic growth as well as changing commute patterns through the
    policies, programs and projects it embraces. Bold planning efforts taken
    now will create more economic opportunities and improve the quality of
    life for our residents. To learn more about the 2040 RTP and participate
    in its development, visit 2040plan.org.
    A survey and comment box are provided for your input. Want to stay
    involved? Sign up for emails and newsletters at www.h-gac.com/taq.
11. The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter testifies on Texas Budget.
    The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter on Wednesday testified before the
    Senate Finance Committee of the Texas Legislature, pressing for a more
    transparent budget that ensures dedicated fees are used for their
    intended purposes; to help clean up the air, keep state parks open, help
    low-income Texans lower their utility bills by repairing older homes,
    and ensuring the oil and gas pipelines criss-crossing the state’s cities
    and farms are safe. More at http://guidrynews.com/.
12. Birdies for the Birds – GCBO Golf Tournament. The
    Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will hold a golf tournament “Birdies for the
    Birds” on Friday, March 22 at the Wilderness Golf Course in Lake
    Jackson. Individuals and teams encouraged. For details, go to website www.gcbo.org.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

1. Civic Scientist Lecture featuring Sylvia Earle.
   National Geographer Explorer and Oceanographer Sylvia Earle will be
   speaking at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University on
   February 12, 2013, at 6 p.m. (registration is required). As Chair of the
   Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (at Texas A&M
   Corpus Christi), Dr. Earle will focus on the Gulf of Mexico and its
   tri-national management. Please visit the event link on the Harte
   Research Institute’s homepage at www.harteresearchinstitute.org.
2. Wanted: Coastal Ghost Busters. The Texas Parks and
   Wildlife Department is looking for volunteers interested in helping to
   remove abandoned crab traps – ghostlike killers of marine life – from
   their haunts along the coast from Feb. 15 through Feb. 24, 2013. For
   more information about the Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program and
   volunteering, contact Bill Balboa at TPWD: 281-534-0110. More at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.
3. National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-School USA Workshop.
   The National Wildlife Federation is partnering with the Houston
   Independent School District (HISD) in its efforts (the Green School
   Challenge) to help green HISD campuses. The National Wildlife
   Federation’s Eco-Schools USA program provides teachers with the perfect
   framework to guide their students greening efforts while meeting state
   required science learning objectives and by providing multiple
   opportunities to apply STEM teaching methods. Join NWF on Saturday,
   February 16, 2013, 8:30am-3pm, at Berry Elementary School for a workshop
   that will highlight project-based and inquiry learning as the path to a
   greener school, and greater student engagement and motivation in
   science. Teachers will receive a $75 stipend for attending the workshop.
   Schools with teams of 2-3 teachers represented at the workshop will be
   eligible to receive a $500 grant from NWF to help them with their school
   greening project. 6 hours of CPE Credit available. More at http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/.
4. Management of Urban Wildlife Workshop. The Managing
   Urban Wildlife: Best Management Practices Workshop will take place on
   February 21, 2013, 8 am-3 pm, at the Doubletree by Hilton at Bush
   Airport. This workshop was quickly developed in response to the urban
   wildlife issues that have been reported in the news here recently. One
   speaker is an urban coyote behavior expert whose information is based on
   years of researching urban coyotes in downtown Chicago. Other speakers
   will cover topics such as feral hog control, egret/heron rookeries,
   urban bobcats (often mistaken as mountain lions in our area), urban
   deer, and hawks/vultures. This workshop is being held in conjunction
   with the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting. However,
   anyone can attend the Urban Wildlife workshop separately – you do not
   need to sign up for the entire annual meeting/conference. Register early
   at http://site.tctws.org/.
5. MountainFILM Telluride. MountainFILM is a film
   festival that is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about
   issues that matter, cultures worth exploring and environments worth
   preserving. The film festival is a two day event that is part ideas
   summit and part social gathering that features the best documentaries,
   powerful short films, avant-garde animation and guest speakers and
   panelists. The festival also features the Academy Award Nominated film,
   Chasing Ice, that documents our ever changing Arctic landscape. For more
   information and to buy tickets, please visit www.iceworthsustaining.org
   and www.mountainfilm.org to
   get a feel for what the Houston festival will offer. The festival will
   be in Houston February 22 and 23 at the Asia Society Building in the
   Museum District.
6. Recycling Cart Decorating Contest. The City of
   Houston’s Solid Waste Management and Human Resources Departments have
   joined forces to host a unique art competition and exhibit consisting of
   decorating green, 96-gallon recycling carts with recycled materials and
   art supplies. The “Growing Up Recycling” contest challenge was accepted
   by twelve local high schools, who will decorate the carts in a recycling
   or environmental theme. These schools include Chavez, James Madison,
   Jones, Klein Forest, Long Hilz Middle School/High School, the Monarch
   School, Sam Houston, St. Thomas, Waltrip and Yates. The carts will be
   displayed and the winner announced at HISD’s “When I Grow Up” Expo,
   Saturday, February 23, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Hattie Mae
   White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St, 77092. This career
   fair and expo is free, open to the public and geared towards students
   interested in learning about the many interesting careers in both the
   public and private sectors. http://www.houstongovnewsroom.org/
7. Missouri City Future Parks Projects Online Survey.
   Preserving Missouri City’s pristine parks and planning for future
   recreational green spaces is a priority for City Council, citizens and
   staff. As part of the City’s commitment to parks’ projects, staff is
   currently reviewing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to identify
   areas for growth and development. Resident input is needed for the
   process. Please take a few minutes to honestly answer this survey about
   parks and recreation in Missouri City. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/.
   Read more at http://www.guidrynews.com/.
8. 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:
   • Hogs Wild
   • Wild Game Cooking: Feral Hog Tacos
   • Texas Paddling Trails
   • Outdoor Info: Geocaching State Parks
9. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html.
   Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
   • February 12: Green–Good.
     Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to
     keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
   • February 13: Green–Good.
     Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to
     keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
   • February 14: 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. Travel Channel Names Galveston Island in Top 5 ‘Best Gulf
   Coast Beaches’ List (Guidry News, 2/7/13) The Galveston
   Island State Park was recently named one of the top 5 “Best Gulf Coast
   Beaches” by the Travel Channel – the only Texas beach to make the list.
   The article describes Galveston as feeling like “a major resort
   destination” able to attract visitors from across the country to its
   beaches and downtown historic district. It dubs the Galveston Island
   State Park a “quiet oasis” where visitors can break from the masses to
   enjoy outdoor activities like bird-watching, biking, picnicking, fishing
   and beach camping. http://www.guidrynews.com/
2. Houston To See New Generation Of Green Schools (Laura
   Isensee – KUHF News, 2/5/13) The new Cunningham Elementary campus is
   modern and energy efficienct. HISD spend $16.5 million to rebuild the
   school and have the building meet criteria for LEED certification.
   Cunningham Elementary is one of just ten green schools in HISD, and
   Superintendent Terry Grier says 20 more schools will be certified soon.
   http://app1.kuhf.org/
3. Green Tips: Avoiding Toxics in the Home (Earth Share,
   2/7/13) Federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the
   Environmental Protection Agency make laws that are meant to keep harmful
   chemicals out of our homes and the environment, but these laws aren’t
   always complete or enforced properly. Unfortunately, people have to be
   discerning when they shop to make sure they’re not exposing their
   families to toxics. Tips include reducing plastic use, learning
   the ingredients lists, ditching triclosan, and avoiding food
   treated with antibiotics. http://www.earthshare.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! The Student Conservation
   Association (SCA) seeks Youth Program Coordinator. The SCA
   seeks a Youth Program Coordinator based out of the Houston, TX office.
   Duties include planning, organizing, delivering, and overseeing SCA
   environmental conservation youth/teen programs in Texas; recruiting and
   placing youth and young adults in a variety of programs each year;
   working with partner organizations to plan service projects and work
   crews; hiring, training, and supervising crew leaders and other staff as
   needed; implementing safety protocols; maintaining all related
   documents/files; completing program evaluations and reporting. If
   interested, please send your cover letter and resume to
   hiring@theSCA.org referencing Youth Program Coordinator in the subject
   line – Position slated to start no later than the end of February 2013.
2. NEW! The Student Conservation
   Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders. SCA seeks two
   qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire high school students
   for the Houston Summer Crew program. Co-lead, mentor and coach a crew of
   12 students, ages 14-19, while completing various conservation service
   projects designed to build an ethic of community and environmental
   stewardship. Projects include a range of activities such as trail and
   park maintenance, habitat restoration, revitalization of abandoned urban
   properties or to urban agriculture. In addition, leaders will facilitate
   pre- and post- program planning which includes crew training,
   environmental education and reporting. Training is June 3-12 and program
   start date is June 20. To Apply: Please visit the www.thesca.org/employment
   for a detailed description including information on how to apply. For
   questions contact SCA Houston staff at SCAHouston@theSCA.org or call:
   (713) 520-1835.
3. NEW! The Environmental Health Service
   at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Project Intern.
   Vacancy#230799SV. Project Intern. The intern will assist the director
   and associate director of the Environmental Health Service with all
   aspects of work, with particular emphasis on implementing professional
   education and clinical service initiatives. Primary responsibilities
   include compiling Healthy Homes-related education materials and locating
   local Healthy Homes programs and services; updating the Service’s
   website; assisting the director and associate director in the
   preparation of presentations for various audiences; and in other ways
   supporting the goals of the EHS professional education and clinical
   service initiatives. The ideal candidate will have excellent
   organizational skills, strong computer and writing skills, and a
   demonstrated interest in environmental health. Hours are flexible,
   approximately 8-12 hours per week. Please submit your cover letter and
   resume to Dr. Rebecca Bruhl, Rebecca.J.Bruhl@bcm.edu.
   Applicants should also submit their information on https://www.medschooljobs.org
   (click on ”search postings”).
4. NEW! The Environmental Health Service
   at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Research Coordinator.
   Vacancy #230798SV. Research Coordinator I. The research coordinator will
   assist the Environmental Health Service with expanding its geospatial
   capabilities, developing fee-for-service resources, and supporting
   research and community outreach projects that utilize geospatial mapping
   and/or the secondary databases developed using geospatial methods. The
   successful candidate will have considerable experience with ESRI ArcGIS
   software, as well experience producing effective visual communications,
   managing data, and using basic biostatistical methods. Familiarity with
   Adobe Creative Suite and SAS is a plus, as is experience with Java or
   other programming languages. The candidate should also have good writing
   skills and a demonstrated interest in environmental health. Hours are
   flexible, 10-15 hours per week. Please submit your cover letter and
   resume to Dr. Rebecca Bruhl, Rebecca.J.Bruhl@bcm.edu.
   Applicants should also submit their information on https://www.medschooljobs.org
   (click on ”search postings”)
5. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality seeks Galveston Bay
   Estuary Program supervisor. Texas Commission on
   Environmental Quality seeks Galveston Bay Estuary Program supervisor.
   The duties include supervising the administrative and technical
   activities of the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP), a conservation
   and management plan prepared under the National Estuary Program of the
   Clean Water Act, for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
   (TCEQ); building partnerships and facilitating coordination and
   implementation of the Galveston Bay Plan; overseeing advisory activities
   of the Galveston Bay Council; establishing and tracking program goals
   and objectives, facilitating implementation of the Galveston Bay Plan;
   and completing personnel management functions, which includes
   interviewing, hiring and developing staff, performance management, etc.
   Email address for applicants: jobs@tceq.texas.gov. Physical address:
   12100 Park 35 Circle, Bldg. A. Mailing address: P.O. Box 13087/MC-116
   Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Phone: (512)239-0102. Internet:
   www.tceq.texas.gov. Fax: (512)239-0111. Closes February 15, 2013. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/admin/jobs/docs/13113.pdf.

6. Updated! Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership seeks Watershed
   Director. The mission of the Armand Bayou Watershed
   Partnership is to “improve the quality of life in our communities by
   protecting, enhancing, and restoring the ecological integrity and
   natural benefits of the Armand Bayou watershed.” The Watershed Director
   is responsible for the overall administration and management of the
   Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership, including fundraising/grantwriting
   and business operations. Areas of responsibility include planning and
   evaluation, policy and program development and administration, personnel
   and fiscal management, and public relations. This is a full-time
   position, hired by and directly accountable to the Armand Bayou
   Watershed Council, communicating regularly with its elected Council
   chair. The Watershed Director implements policies approved by the
   Council, manages the organization’s programs and operations (including
   implementation of its Strategic Plan), and represents the organization
   in the community. Cover letter, resume, and written answers to the
   questions below should be submitted via e-mail to:
   linda.shead@sheadconservation.com. The questions are: 1. Based on the
   “Ability to create and foster teams to solve watershed problems,” how
   have you used this skill in the past, and what would you do differently
   in the future? 2. Tell about past experience with outside consultants
   and contractors.
7. Galveston Baykeeper seeks a Baykeeper/Wetland Watch
   Coordinator. Part time position. Galveston Baykeeper, a
   member of the global Waterkeeper Alliance, is a grassroots organization
   committed to preserving and protecting the health of Galveston Bay and
   its watershed for our children, our economy and our future, through
   advocacy and education, and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
   Galveston Baykeeper is particularly focused on wetlands, but all threats
   to the aquatic integrity of the Galveston Bay and bayou system are its
   concern. The Galveston Baykeeper speaks for the Bay, and is the public
   face of the Galveston Baykeeper organization. The Galveston Baykeeper
   keeps abreast of threats to the Bay, and works to mobilize citizens in
   defense of the Bay, through partnerships and direct action. The
   incumbent of this position will also manage the Wetland Watch program, a
   citizen-staffed effort to monitor and report unauthorized fill of
   wetlands in the lower Galveston Bay watershed. The GBK/WWC must have
   excellent people and organizational skills, as well as a real passion
   for our Gulf Coast habitat. Experience in water or natural resource
   areas required. Should have solid computer skills and grant writing
   experience. Send resume and cover letter to John Jacob, GBK Board Chair,
   jingleheimer53@gmail.com.

8. HARC seeks a GIS/Remote Sensing Research Associate.
   HARC is a non-profit research hub located in The Woodlands, TX dedicated
   to performing independent analysis for people and institutions seeking
   scientific answers in support of a sustainable future. HARC’s research
   focuses on clean air, clean water, and clean energy. We are seeking a
   person with an educational background and work experience in GIS,
   Geography, Environmental Science, Biology or related disciplines and
   skills in ArcGIS for Desktop, ArcGIS Server, and other ESRI products.
   Major duties will include creation of digital mapping products for use
   in reports, proposals, websites and presentations; design, creation and
   maintenance of interactive mapping applications for distribution via the
   internet; and quantitative and statistical analyses on geospatial
   datasets. For more information about the position and to upload a
   resume, please visit http://mitchell.harc.edu/.
9. Houston Endowment is seeking a Vice President For Programs.
   The Vice President for Programs works closely with the President to
   develop and implement foundation strategies. The Vice President manages
   the foundation’s day-to-day grantmaking activities in keeping with
   current policies and procedures and coordinates the work of the entire
   program staff to meet the highest standards. The Vice President develops
   and maintains strong relationships with peer foundations and community
   leaders and effectively articulates foundation goals and programs. The
   search for the ideal candidate will remain open until the position is
   filled. Qualified applicants should forward a cover letter and resume
   to: Deborah Bessire, Human Resources Manager, Houston Endowment Inc.,
   600 Travis Street, Suite 6400, Houston, TX 77002;
   dbessire@houstonendowment.org.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

CEC 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/.

As of February 11, 2013, 680 bills have been filed by the Senate and 1651
bills have been filed by the House. Helpful links:

• Texas Senate Week
  in Review
• Texas House Committee
  Schedules

The following are bills (SB=Senate Bill, HB=House Bill, and HJR=House
Joint Resolution) which may be of interest to the region’s environmental
community and which have been filed in the past week. Links are available
at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Reports/General.aspx.

• SB 300: Relating to funding for certain county transportation
  infrastructure projects.
• SB 302: Relating to the management, operation, rulemaking authority,
  and oversight of groundwater conservation districts.
• SB 305: Relating to an exemption from the sales tax for certain solar
  energy

  devices.

• SB 342: Relating to exemption from the sales tax for certain water
  efficient products for a limited period.
• SB 347: Relating to funding for the operations of the Texas Low-Level
  Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission.
• SB 364: Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to provide
  sewer service to areas within the municipal boundaries without obtaining
  a certificate of public convenience and necessity.
• SB 373: Relating to indexing fees charged for certain nonresident
  hunting and fishing licenses to fees charged for certain resident
  hunting and fishing licenses.
• SB 374: Relating to a 14-day general hunting license for
  non-residents; imposing a fee.
• SB 375: Relating to the expiration date of hunting and fishing
  licenses, stamps, permits, or tags.
• SB 385: Relating to authorizing assessments for water and energy
  improvements in districts designated by municipalities and counties.
• SB 403: Relating to the establishment of a community development
  grocery store and healthy corner store revolving loan fund program.
• SB 405: Relating to the applicability of state law regulating the
  decommissioning costs of certain newly constructed commercial
  nuclear-powered electric generating facilities.
• SB 410: Relating to the management and operation of certain
  municipally owned electric utilities.
• SB 434: Relating to the procedural requirements for action by the
  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on applications for production
  area authorizations.
• SB 446: Relating to allowable transfers to the Parks and Wildlife
  Department and the Texas Historical Commission of proceeds from the
  taxes on the sale, storage, or use of sporting goods.
• SB 448: Relating to the audit of certain river authorities.
• SB 454: Relating to the authority of certain conservation and
  reclamation districts to file an annual financial report with the
  executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in
  lieu of filing an annual audit report.
• SB 456: Relating to building code standards for new residential
  construction in the unincorporated area of a county.
• SB 459: Relating to the sale, storage, transportation, and disposal of
  scrap or used tires; providing a civil penalty; creating an offense.
• SB 466: Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of
  Transportation to participate in certain federal transportation
  programs.
• SB 467: Relating to the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the
  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• SB 468: Relating to endangered species habitat conservation.
• SB 487: Relating to all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway
  vehicles.
• SJR 17: Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the
  appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of the
  state sales and use tax on sporting goods.
• SJR 20: Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain
  revenue derived from the tax imposed on the sale of motor vehicles to
  the state highway fund.
• SJR 25: Proposing a constitutional amendment prescribing the purposes
  for which revenue from motor vehicle registration fees, certain motor
  vehicle-related taxes, and certain revenues received from the federal
  government may be used.
• HB 761: Relating to building code standards for new residential
  construction in the unincorporated area of a county.
• HB 762: Relating to restrictions on disaster remediation contracts
  following a locally declared disaster.
• HB 782: Relating to the allocation of certain motor vehicle sales tax
  revenue to the state highway fund and to the uses of that revenue.
• HB 787: Relating to incentives for the purchase or lease of an
  electric-powered light-duty motor vehicle.
• HB 788: Relating to regulation of greenhouse gas emissions by the
  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
• SB 810: Relating to distribution of state agency reports to
  legislators.
• SB 824: Relating to a volume-based exemption from reporting
  requirements for accidental discharges or spills from wastewater
  facilities.
• HB 840: Relating to the identification of breeder deer.
• HB 841: Relating to the establishment of the Texas Center for
  Innovative Desalination Technology at the University of Houston in
  partnership with The University of Texas at El Paso.
• HB 852: Relating to the sale and purchase of shark fins or products
  derived from shark fins; creating an offense.
• HB 857: Relating to the frequency of water audits by certain retail
  public utilities.
• HB 876: Relating to permit application requirements for solid waste
  facilities.
• HB 878: Relating to the filing with the state of well logs by
  operators of oil-related or gas-related wells; providing a penalty.
• HB 896: Relating to allowable transfers to the Parks and Wildlife
  Department and the Texas Historical Commission of proceeds from the
  taxes on the sale, storage, or use of sporting goods.
• HB 993: Relating to public notice by the Parks and Wildlife Department
  of consumption advisories for mercury contamination in certain aquatic
  and terrestrial animals, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscan
  shellfish.
• HB 994: Relating to the applicability of state law regulating the
  decommissioning costs of certain newly constructed commercial
  nuclear-powered electric generating facilities.
• HB 1015: Relating to the regulation of big cats and nonhuman primates;
  providing penalties.
• HB 1028: Relating to expedited release from a certificate of public
  convenience and necessity for water and sewer service for certain
  landowners.
• HB 1054: Relating to a prohibition on converting a nontolled state
  highway or segment of the state highway system to a toll project.
• HB 1079: Relating to the procedural requirements for action by the
  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on applications for production
  area authorizations.
• HB 1080: Relating to the issuance of permits for dairy farming in
  certain areas of the state.
• HB 1081: Relating to a study regarding the prohibition of dairy
  farming in certain areas of the state.
• HB 1094: Relating to authorizing assessments for water and energy
  improvements in districts designated by municipalities and counties.
• HB 1102: Relating to the accommodation of pedestrians, bicyclists,
  persons with disabilities, children, senior citizens, users of public
  transportation, movers of commercial goods, and motorists on streets and
  highways.
• HB 1205: Relating to the allocation of certain motor fuel tax revenue
  to the state highway fund.
• HB 1106: Relating to the identification and operation of vessels in
  the waters of this state.
• HB 1108: Relating to the services that a registered drain cleaner may
  perform without the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
• HB 1115: Relating to the eligibility for grants for natural gas
  fueling stations under the Texas natural gas vehicle grant program.
• HB 1116: Relating to the creation of the Texas Native Seed Competitive
  Grant Program.
• HB 1134: Relating to performance and payment security for certain
  comprehensive development agreements.
• HB 1135: Relating to the establishment of the Texas Native Seeds
  Committee.
• HB 1144: Relating to availability of certain information regarding
  energy use and efficiency of certain residential property.
• HB 1148: Relating to the reimbursement of a municipality’s expenses in
  a ratemaking proceeding for electric or gas utilities.
• HB 1149: Relating to the establishment of integrated rate areas
  subject to the original jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of
  Texas.
• HB 1160: Relating to the transfer of a certificate of convenience and
  necessity in certain municipalities.
• HB 1168: Relating to the exemption of dedicated cemetery property from
  drainage fees.
• HB 1170: Relating to all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway
  vehicles.
• HB 1171: Relating to civil liability for certain damages caused by
  advanced meters.
• HB 1173: Relating to a credit against the ad valorem taxes
  imposed on property on which certain water conservation systems have
  been installed.
• HB 1179: Relating to the payment of restitution for the taking of
  wildlife resources without the property owner’s consent.
• HJR 63: Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating a portion of
  the state’s oil and gas tax revenue to construction, reconstruction,
  acquisition, and expansion of roads in counties in which a shale
  formation is located.
• HJR 68: Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain
  revenue derived from the tax imposed on the sale of motor vehicles to
  the state highway fund.

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

Wednesday,
February 20, 2013

• 
  8:30 am
  Weekly Bird Walk @ Kleb Woods
  Nature Center
• 
  9:00 am
  Wetland Restoration @ Sheldon
  Lake State Park
• 
  10:00 am
  Gator Tales @ Eddie V. Gray
  Wetlands Education and Recreation Center
• 
  10:00 am
  Insects & Inverts (Titmouse Club Preschool Nature Program) @
  Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
• 
  10:30 am
  Aquarium Fish Feeding @ Sea
  Center Texas
• 
  4:00 pm
  Nature Story Time @ Nature
  Discovery Center
• 
  6:30 pm
  Galveston Bay Area Sierra Club Houston Program @
  Bay Area Community Center (blue roof) 
• 7:00
  pm Houston Audubon Nature
  Photography Association @ Edith
  L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

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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.

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.

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

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

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