Houston Environmental News Update June 28, 2017

Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter, which includes a green job listing.

CEC NOTES

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Halfway through each year (and again at the end of the year), we like asking our readers to tell us what they might put on a top-ten list of the most important things impacting the environment in the Houston region this year. Here’s what we’ve got so far (in no particular order):

• Passing the City of Houston Bike Plan
• Preventing the Texas Legislature’s ban on local reusable bag regulations
• Trump pulling US out of Paris Climate Accord
• Toxic Substance Control Act is updated and called The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act
• San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund 100% removal of dioxin proposed
• People’s Climate March (and Women’s March & Science March)
• Climate change & related flooding/storm surge threat
• Threat of widening of I45, which is proposed to cover Little White Oak and impose even greater air quality, noise pollution, and lack of connectivity burdens on a large, mostly disadvantaged part of Houston
• Legislative effort to remove municipalities’ ability to regulate local issues such as tree preservation that are essential to combating urban heat island effect
• Trump Administration Proposes Steep EPA Budget Cuts (more information available on the website of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies)

You are welcome to add information at any time during the year, and we will be asking again at the end of the year. Curious about past suggestion? Check out 2016 results.

Greater Houston Environmental Summit & Environmental Education Expo
Annually, CEC hosts a networking and learning event for the extraordinary people who work at or are interested in the work of environmental organizations in the greater Houston region. In 2017, CEC will be hosting the Greater Houston Environmental Summit on Friday, August 4, 2017, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Community Resource Center at the United Way of Greater Houston. In addition to excellent keynote presentations and panels, we will again offer small-format table talks. We will feature a panel in conjunction with EarthShare of Texas, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. We are partnering with a variety of environmental education collaboratives to offer an Environmental Education Expo for teachers and informal educators. If you are interested in exhibiting at the EE Expo, please contact Marina@cechouston.org. We’re taking suggestions & proposals for the table talks, so if you have an issue you’d like to learn about or share with the environmental community, drop us a line at rachel@cechouston.org.

Earth Day Houston 2018
Thank you to everyone who joined us to discuss Earth Day Houston 2018. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 21, 2017, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Community Resource Center of the United Way of Greater Houston. To learn more or be added to the mailing list, please contact marina@cechouston.org.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

1. Armand Bayou Nature Center’s EcoKid Classes
   The ABNC is also holding EcoKids classes for outdoor exploration, crafts & stories. These drop-off classes are held Wednesdays and Fridays for children ages 3-6 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Payment is required at the time of reservation: $10 for members & $12 for non-members per class. Call 713-274-2668 to make your reservation and learn more at www.abnc.org.
2. HNPAT Meeting with Coastal Prairie Partnership
   The Native Prairies Association of Texas (Houston Chapter) meets every 4th Wednesday of each month, and in the month of June they will be meeting with the Coastal Prairie Partnership, a private, nonprofit collaboration working to achieve common conservation and education goals. Their ultimate goal is to help foster a more connected and empowered prairie community in coastal Texas and southwest Louisiana. To join in on the conversation, attend their next meeting at the McGovern Centennial Gardens tonight, June 28, 2017, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. For more on HNPAT, CPP, or the event, visit www.houstonprairie.org.
3. H-GAC Transportation Public Meeting
   On Thursday, June 29, 2017, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) wants your opinion on the Public Participation Plan (PPP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The PPP reflects H-GAC’s documented public involvment process for providing reasonable public access to information used in the development of the long-range Regional Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Plan, and the UPWP. The UPWP outlines the proposed tasks and estimated costs associated with conducting the region’s transportation planning and research for the next two years. You can do your part by coming to the meeting, bringing a friend, and reviewing their draft documents with your comments. You can email your comments at publiccomments@h-gac.com. The meeting will take place at H-GAC Offices, 2nd Fl. Conf. Rm. B on 3555 Timmons Lane. For more information on the meeting and what the H-GAC is all about, please visit www.h-gac.com.
4. Houston: A Walkable City?  
   Houston has long been known as a car-centric community. Over the past several years, the idea of a “walkable city” has been a hot topic in the Houston area. What does a walkable city mean? How do Houston’s development policies hinder or support walkability? Come join the conversation as the Kinder Institute for Urban Research hosts “Houston: A Walkable City?” The panel discussion will explore what Houston is doing well and where improvements are needed. This event will take place Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at United Way of Greater Houston on 50 Waugh Dr., so register online and save your seat!
5. Stormwater Wetland Program Volunteer Opportunity   
   The Texas Coastal Watershed Program holds weekly volunteer days for their stormwater wetland program, 9:00 AM to noon on Thursdays. Volunteers help propagate plants in the wetland plant nursery at Exploration Green in Clear Lake City, or at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in Lake Jackson. The stormwater wetland program is developing demonstration projects to show how wetlands can be designed into flood control basins to clean contaminants from surface runoff, protect our bayous and bays, and provide a refuge for wildlife. A schedule and more information is available by contacting Mcedwards@tamu.edu.
6. Bright STaRS Poster Session Abstract Deadline
   K-12 students are producing quality Earth, space and ocean scientific research in summer, in-school, and after-school programs. These students are readily exposed to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math practices and are often encouraged and involved with adults and/or scientists to investigate Earth, space and ocean attributes including testing variables and monitoring the environment. The goal of this session is to give K-12 students a platform to communicate their research to scientists, educators and peers in order to gain best practice research and presentation skills. The science should be presented through art or poster format by students themselves. If you have a student that is interested in submitting an abstract, please email Elizabeth Eubanks at hoocaca@yahoo.com with your contact information and the students’ contact information no later than Thursday, June 29, 2017, and you’ll receive further instructions thereafter. More information on the Bright STaRS Poster Session can be found on their Program Website.
7. METRO’s Summer of Fun Pass
   School’s out, and METRO wants to give you FREE RIDES to where the fun is – ALL SUMMER LONG! The new METRO Student Summer of Fun Pass offers K-12 students the opportunity to travel anywhere METRO goes…any time…any day…FREE. Learn more and sign up at ridemetro.org.
8. Monthly Solar Energy System Workshop
   On every last Friday of the month, the Houston Renewable Energy group hosts free workshops to the public. On June 30, 2017, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, they will be addressing the basics on how to install and operate a solar system. It covers topics such as solar array types, costs of equipment and labor, permitting, energy savings, and reliability. The instructor, Bill Swann, is an expert in solar energy and has built many of his own solar systems. This workshop is ideal for all people as Bill can answer the simplest and most technical of questions, so if you want to learn more about solar, this is the workshop for you. To RSVP, email Bill Swann at william.swann2@gmail.com, or check out their event site at houstonrenewableenergy.org.
9. Houston Zoo’s Cool Nights Backyard Bash
   Looking for something chill to do this summer? Bring a date, grab your friends, and head to the Houston Zoo this Friday, June 30, 2017, for their one of their Cool Nights hosted every Friday night with a different activity each week! This week for Backyard Bash, they will provide your favorite backyard games while the Walter Jaworski Band provides the music. Bring a few extra bucks to enjoy an ice-cold brew and our ocean-friendly fish fry. Guests will also be able to meet and greet some of the Zoo’s most popular residents. Thanks to TXU Energy, the Zoo is open late on Fridays this summer through August 11. Your ticket to their Cool Nights comes with the price of admission- or save $4 if you arrive after 4:00 PM! Final entry ends at 7:30 PM. To see some of the newest additions to the zoo family and other events going on this summer, please visit the houstonzoo.org.
10. 
    Intro Paddling 
    Join the Texas Outdoors-Woman Network for their Intro Paddling class on Saturday, July 1, 2017, from 8:30 AM at Southwest Paddlesports on 26322 I-45 North, Spring. These groups have a diverse membership of skills and experience, so you’ll be able to learn the basic strokes, maneuvers, and rescues in kayaking, canoeing, or paddle-boarding in this 6 hour. class for just $100, which also includes all equipment. Be sure to bring water, lunch or a snack, change of clothes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is advised that you do not bring flip flops or wear cotton. Local T.O.W.N. groups hold monthly meetings and coordinate field trips in a variety of outdoor activities for its members. You need not have attended at BOW workshop or necessarily have any outdoor experience to join the fun, and if you have any questions you can contact Patti Carothers at 713-828-7582 or check out their Meetup!
11. Katy Prairie Work Day Volunteer Opportunity
    Every first Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) volunteers meet at the Indiangrass Preserve’s Native Seed Nursery to water, weed, and pot seedlings. These plants are used to help restore native prairies on KPC properties and in other locations. Occasionally, Field Days are held at a different location – email info@katyprairie.org for more details. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis for tons of other projects, so if you’re interested in helping your local prairies, come out this Saturday for their next work day!
12. 
    Big Thicket Association’s Explore Your Thicket 
    The Big Thicket National Preserves protects the incredible diversity of life found where multiple habitats converge in southeast Texas. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. It is a place of discovery, a place to wander and explore, a place to marvel at the richness of nature. Join the association for their 1st Sunday Hike on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at 10:30 AM on the Kirby Nature Trail, which consists of several loops ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 miles. It passes through several plant communities, from a slope forest to cypress sloughs to the riparian zone along Village Creek. Hikers can continue north from this trail to the Sandhill Loop Trail. They will cross the bridge over Village Creek and follow the Turkey Creek Trail north for 0.8 miles to reach the Sandhill Loop. This trail makes a loop of 1.3 miles through a forest of longleaf pines; it’ll be a great opportunity to get outdoors and get to know your trails. You can learn more about the Big Thicket Association at http://bigthicket.org/.
13. Sheldon Lake Prairie Restoration
    Every Tuesday, Sheldon Lake State Park has volunteer opportunities to help with the ongoing restoration of historic tall grass prairie. Activities include separating and potting rescued grasses, planting mature grasses and collecting seed. The event is held at Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center, 14140 Garrett Rd., coming up on Tuesday, July 4, 2017, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, so start your holiday morning with some meaningful work for our Texas prairies! You can sign up here.
14. Central City Co-Op Farmer’s Market
    Central City Co-Op hosts a weekly Farmer’s Market every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Kindred Church on 2515 Waugh Drive. Their mission is to support sustainable, chemical free farming practices through offering both 1) sustainably raised local and 2) certified USDA organic national produce and farm goods to our community at the fairest prices possible. Everything they carry on their shelves and stock in their shares is either locally, sustainably grown by farmers we know or is nationally-certified USDA organic. Both are great options for you and for our planet! Central City Co-Op also provides a space for individuals to come together as a community. They support every member of the community in their journey to learn more about where their food comes from, how it’s produced, and how the local economy is impacted by food choices. Feel free to take a tour of their market, too! To learn more about Central City Co-Op and the services they offer, visit www.centralcityco-op.com.
15. Rice University Farmers Market
    Spring is coming to an end and the Summer heat is rolling in. No worries, the Rice Farmers Market has you covered. The vendors have plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as a few cold treats, to help you get through the warm season in style. Bring a friend and have dinner at Ripe Cuisine- there’ll be so much to see and taste! The Market will be open every Tuesday from 3:30 to 6:30 PM. Save the date for their Summer Fest on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
16. Grant to Initiate GBRA/TAP Agreement (EMAIL) 
    The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) and The Aransas Project (TAP) undertook the first step in the implementation of The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority/The Aransas Project Agreement (GBRA/TAP Agreement), announcing the receipt of a grant from the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation (www.CGMF.org).
    The grant is to develop a strategy and action plan to advance implementation of the GBRA/TAP Agreement toward a shared vision for future habitat and water for Guadalupe River System and San Antonio Bay.
    Developed in 2016, the GBRA/TAP agreement was reached after years of litigation over freshwater inflows for San Antonio Bay and the long-term success of the only remaining flock of wild whooping cranes in the world.
    The agreement sets up a process by which GBRA and TAP will jointly investigate issues associated with the future of water usage and availability on the Guadalupe and San Antonio River systems and the freshwater needs of the whooping cranes. The work under this agreement will consider both habitat issues for the whooping cranes as well as long-term water supply and inflow issues. To learn more, you can view the full document and read how the GBRA/TAP will put their grant to great use for the future of our aquatic wildlife.
17. TCEQ 2018 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards – Applications 
    The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is now accepting applications for the 2018 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards (TEEA), the highest environmental honor in the State of Texas. What’s new this year: The revised application makes it easier to apply, and the new application instructions provides writing ideas and helpful directions for completing the application. Visit TEEA’s new website at www.teea.org for more information. If selected as a winner, you’ll be the guest of honor at the May 16, 2018 banquet which will feature videos of each winner’s environmental achievements. See the winner videos for 2017. Applications will be accepted through September 29, 2017. Don’t wait or miss out on a chance to recognize some of the great work your organization and colleagues are doing for the environment! Send in your applications today.
18. Asking Texas Supreme Court to Rule Against Unlawful Bag Bans 
    On June 16, 2017, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the Texas Supreme Court, asking the court to affirm a decision by the San Antonio Court of Appeals against unlawful bag bans. Though the case involves a Laredo ordinance, Attorney General Paxton believes that similar ordinances across Texas are unlawful. Last August, the San Antonio Court of Appeals ruled that Laredo’s ban on single-use bags is unlawful because it violates a Texas statute regulating solid waste disposal. The Texas Health and Safety Code forbids municipalities from making rules to “prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law.” In December 2016, Attorney General Paxton asked the Supreme Court to review the case and affirm the San Antonio Court of Appeals’ ruling so that it can apply statewide. “Cities across Texas are failing to respect the rule of law and unlawfully passing the burden of municipal solid waste management to residents and retailers through bag bans,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Municipalities do not get to violate Texas law merely because they don’t like it. We’re asking the Texas Supreme Court to uphold the law so that the ruling can be used to invalidate similar ordinances across Texas.” The full brief can be found here.
19. North Houston Highway Improvement Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement
    The Federal Highway Administration via Texas Department of Transportation (TX DOT) prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed North Houston Highway Improvement Project.  The proposed action includes an addition of four managed express (MAX) lanes on interstate Highway 45 (I-45) from Beltway 8 North Downtown Houston, including reconstruction of main lanes and frontage roads, and the rerouting of I-45 in Downtown area to be parallel with I-10 on the north side of Downtown and parallel with U. S. Highway (US) 59/I-69 on east side of Downtown.  All the Preferred Alternatives (Sections/Segments) which meet the need and purpose for the proposed Transportation Project will have disproportionate high and adverse impacts on the minority and low-income populations/communities within the proposed project area. For the complete details of the draft, please visit the TX DOT site. Remember to come out to the Public Listening Session today, June 28, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), 1900 Main St. to receive public comment on the metropolitan transportation planning process.
20. EarthShare of Texas 25th Anniversary Round Table Discussion Series
    Happy Anniversary to EarthShare of Texas!
    To celebrate 25 years, EST is hosting a Round-Table Discussion Series to introduce the public to all of the great work its members have accomplished.  From air quality to zebra populations, they have it covered. Learn more at earthshare-texas.org/events. Buying a ticket to the entire series will gain you entry into the following events:
    • Bats, Birds, and Barbecue- A dinner discussion of wildlife and habitat conservation with a viewing of  the awesome bat emergence at Bracken Bat Cave. July 29, 2017 – Bracken Cave, San Antonio.
    • On the Ground Floor of Ground Water: A breakfast discussion divining the future of our most precious resource.   July date tbd Redbud Center.
    • The Hot Topic of Climate Change- Greater Houston Environmental Summit Aug 4, 2017 – United Way of Greater Houston–In conjunction with the CEC!
    • This Land is your Land: Exploring the terrain of land conservation; Red Bud Center, October 17, 2017.
    • And the grand finale picnic with food, games music and more!  The whole family is welcome!
21. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
    Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 p.m. 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: Follow along as some Houston area school kids discover the value of native prairies.
    • Catching Carp: Once maligned, carp have emerged as a much sought after sport fish, especially among European visitors.
    • Meet the Greeter: Wildlife Biologist Steve Nelle helps landowners answer conservation questions.
22. Additional Upcoming Events
    • 7/1/17: Intro Paddling
    • 7/1/17: Katy Prairie Work Day
    • 7/2/17: Big Thicket Association’s Explore Your Thicket 1st Sunday Hikes
    • 7/4/17: Sheldon Lake Prairie Restoration
    • 7/5/17: Central City Co-Op Farmer’s Market
    • 7/6/17: Stormwater Wetland Program Volunteer Opportunity
    • 7/8/17: Solarize Houston Workshop
    • 7/12/17: Houston Food Policy Workgroup
    • 7/24/17 (deadline): Mayor’s Proud Partners Award application

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