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Houston Environmental News Update July 28, 2021
July 28, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update July 28, 2021

National Farmers Market Week, Join CEC’s Board, Electric Busses, My Scenic Houston Photo Contest, Houston Audubon’s Flock Together Photo Contest, Great American Outdoors Day, Gulf Coast Green, Green Jobs and more

This year, National Farmers Market Week is officially celebrated from August 1-7. Fortunately for the greater Houston community, there is no shortage of markets in our area.

Supporting farmer’s markets is a way to support our environment. Considering food typically travels 1,500 miles to arrive at your plate, there are large amounts of natural resources that contribute to this process, which in turn, contributes to pollution and trash (due to extra packaging). However, food at the farmers market is transported shorter distances in addition to using farming techniques that minimize the impact on the earth. While the feel-good features of farmers markets are not guaranteed, you are able to talk to the farmers to get the dirt on their farming practices.

Here is a list of some local markets so you can visit them yourself:

Central City Co-Op – Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on Wed., 3 p.m. on Sun.) While technically not a farmers market, Central City Co-Op, founded in 1998, is Houston’s local, sustainable marketplace and oldest existing organic Co-Op. Just over a year ago, it moved and expanded its hours. It offers fresh produce, meat, dairy, and prepared foods from many local farmers. (It’s also a great place to grab a coffee and meet a friend.) 

Sources:

CEC NOTES

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Engage your students with lessons outdoors. Over 30 workshops are in the regional summer professional development calendar to connect you with local resources. Sign up today at hereinhouston.org.

Breaking Through – How to Build A Strong, Sustainable Nonprofit

Presented by the Executive Service Corps of Houston and Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Breaking Through – How to Build A Strong, Sustainable Nonprofit is a free, robust, six-month business training program for nonprofit organizations with a multifaceted approach including workshops, mentoring/coaching, and development of of a business plan. Topics covered include governance, financial management, marketing and branding, fundraising, volunteers, insurance, IT, HR, and disaster planning. Apply now for a July program start date. Special consideration given to CEC’s member and partner organizations. Download the flyer and simple application.

Montopolis: The Living Coast

We are excited to announce that The Living Coast event, planned for last year but postponed, has been rescheduled for Sep. 18, 2021, at MATCH. The Living Coast performance by Montopolis combines original music, live narration, and cinematic images of the Texas gulf coast. Surfers and sailors, shrimpers and oilmen, poets and scientists all share their stories about this complicated region of serene beauty, vast industry, and incredible contradictions. All ticket sales will be donated to the Matagorda Bay Foundation and the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition.  Tickets now available.

Please scroll down to read about public engagement opportunities and notes from our member organizations and the community.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

EPA accepting comments on Risk Management Plan rule through July 31

The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the Risk Management Program (RMP) rule in accordance with Executive Order 13990: Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis (EO 13990). Members of the public will be able to submit comments at regulations.gov (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2021-0312) until July 31, 2021. Houston area environmental and community organizations are invited by Houston Climate Movement to sign on to a joint comment letter here.

Spring Creek Watershed Partnership Meeting

On Aug. 3, 2021, beginning at 2 p.m., there will be virtual meeting of the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership, a stakeholder group working to improve water quality in Spring Creek and its tributaries. The partnership is supported by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Participants will discuss edits to the latest draft of the Watershed Protection Plan detailing community-driven strategies for water quality improvement. To register, visit zoom.us.

2022 Unified Transportation Program comment period open through Aug. 9

Via LINK Houston: During their June meeting, the Texas Transportation Commission decided to include the North Houston Highway Improvement Project as part of the annual public comment period for the Unified Transportation Program for 2022. TTC Chair Bruce Bugg stated that based on public input, the TTC will consider removing funding for the NHHIP and the Houston region as part of the UTP, the state’s 10-year slate of projects. On July 9, the Texas Department of Transportation opened the 30-day public comment period for the UTP, giving the public only two options to consider regarding the NHHIP: “Support maintaining project and funding as proposed or Support removing project and funding.” TxDOT will accept written public comments until 4 p.m. August 9, 2021. You can submit your comments through the online form and provide your feedback in the text box under question number 1. You can also print a comment form and mail it to TxDOT or call (800) 687-8108 to leave a voicemail with your name and comments. Another option is to email your comment form to TxDOT at utp-publicComments@txdot.gov. Additionally, you can make comments during the virtual public hearing scheduled on August 2 at 3 p.m. For any special accommodations, call (800) 687-8108 at least 3 business days before the public hearing.

H-GAC Unified Planning Work Program and Title VI Environmental Justice Program public comment sought through Aug. 11

The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Unified Planning Work Program and Title VI Environmental Justice Program seek public feedback on what they can do to reduce congestion, improve air quality, create safer bike and pedestrian paths, increase access to public transportation, and create a more connected, inclusive transportation system for everyone who lives and works in the region. The public comment period closes on Aug. 11, 2021. Comments may be submitted by email at PublicComments@h-gac.com, by phone at 1-855-363-2516, or by mail to “Attention: Unified Work Program and Title VI Environmental Justice Program”, P.O. Box 22777, Houston, TX, 77227-2777.

TPC Group Expansion Public Meeting

On Aug. 12, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will hold a public meeting for residents near the TPC Group’s Houston Plant at 8600 Park Place Blvd. to ask questions about the company’s air permit applications to authorize a significant increase in cancer-causing butadiene emissions at the plant. Community members may submit written comments anytime before or during the Aug. 12 public meeting electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ (Permit No. 19806) or by mail to the Office of the Chief Clerk, TCEQ, Mail Code MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Find the full meeting notice, including instructions on how to connect, at tceq.texas.gov.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the opportunities listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts, particularly in light of concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud is new Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper

Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud recently began as Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, which works to protect and restore the integrity of the greater Houston region’s bayous, rivers, streams, and the bays through advocacy, education, and action. Mccloud brings more than 20 years in nonprofit administration, leading programs and building infrastructure at environmental and cultural institutions. Before joining BCWK, she worked at Houston Botanic Garden as director of education and public programs, overseeing the launch of the organization’s first-ever educational offerings including virtual lectures and tours, a community garden, classes, a docent program, school programs, and a summer camp. In addition to program development, she brings experience in capacity building, development, and fundraising at institutions including the University of Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Project Row House. Read her full profile at bayoucitywaterkeeper.org.

John Hall named President and CEO of Houston Advanced Research Center

The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), a nonprofit research hub providing independent analysis on energy, air, and water issues, recently announced John Hall as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, beginning on August 16, 2021. Previously, Hall chaired the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, the predecessor agency to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. More recently, Hall served in leadership roles at Environmental Defense Fund and led the advocacy organization’s clean energy efforts in ten of the largest states in the nation and vehicle electrification initiatives in Texas. Hall also previously served on HARC’s Board of Directors. From 1996 to 2010, Hall also led a public affairs agency where he helped clients address ozone non-attainment challenges in the Houston-Galveston and Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas. During that time, he also served as Executive Director of the Texas Environmental Research Consortium (TERC) at HARC. Read the full announcement at harcresearch.org.

100% Clean Energy for Texas webinar

According to a poll taken after Winter Storm Uri, 56% of Texans say the primary goal of Texas’s energy policy should be achieving 100% clean power. Such a step can solve many of Texas’ most pressing environmental and public health challenges. But how can we get there? And what do pending changes to Texas’ electricity market mean for the future of renewable energy? Please join Environment Texas for a webinar on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 11 am to examine how Texas can #go100percent and what it’ll take. Hear from:

  • Emma Searson, Director 100% Renewable Campaign, Environment America
  • Rob Threlkeld, Sustainability Manager, General Motors
  • Professor Dan Cohan, Rice University
  • Matthew Dannenberg, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
  • Catherine Flowers, Co-Founder, Energy Well Texas

Check out Environment America’s new report We Have the Power: Realizing clean, renewable energy’s potential to power America to learn more about the potential for 100% renewable energy.

METRO Adding Electric Buses to Fleet

Battery electric buses will be added to METRO’s fleet as the Authority moves forward with the purchase of 20 full-size electric buses and 10 paratransit vans. The buses will operate on the 402 Bellaire Quickline and the 28 OST/ Wayside routes. The vans, meanwhile, will be used for METROLift and Community Connector services. The introduction of the electric buses and vehicles is part of a larger Climate Action Plan that is currently being developed. The proposed plan has a series of environmentally sustainable initiatives including a zero-emissions vehicle program. METRO will also explore the use of vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project also has an equity and access focus with the initial routes serving three of the communities in the city of Houston’s Complete Communities program. These communities are disproportionately affected by carbon emissions. Read the full press release.

Texas adds resiliency and wildlife corridors with land acquisition

With increasingly active tropical storm seasons in the western Gulf of Mexico, resiliency is at the forefront of conservation discussions. Fortunately, there is good news to share. In June, the Bahia Grande Coastal Corridor Habitat Acquisition project was completed. The Bahia Grande project was included within the 2017 Texas Trustee Implementation Group’s Final Restoration Plan, and was co-implemented by the Department of the Interior and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The project focused on the acquisition of the Holly Beach property consisting of tidal wetlands, thornscrub, and coastal prairie habitat on and adjacent to the Lower Laguna Madre in Cameron County, Texas. The 1,512 acre tract was added to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge to be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This area is vital for wildlife conservation as it is home to many federally endangered species, including five species of sea turtles, ocelots, jaguarundis, and nesting northern Aplomado falcons. Acquisition of the property also protects foraging habitat for migratory birds such as gull-billed terns, black skimmers, reddish egrets, piping plover, mottled duck, and red knot. Wildlife corridors will also be expanded through this acquisition, connecting the northern and southern units of the refuge. In total, Holly Beach is a coastal ecosystem that supports an abundance of wildlife and is vital to the coastal resilience of Texas’s coastline.

LINK Houston seeks volunteers to conduct survey

LINK Houston is seeking volunteers to help speak with people at bus stops in six neighborhoods in northeast Houston as part of our Equity in Transit: 2021 study. Volunteers will work in small groups alongside a LINK Houston staff member. The interview will use a brief survey form developed with LINK Houston’s community-based research team. They will provide all volunteers with materials (survey badge/button, a clipboard, survey forms, pencils, and face mask), refreshments, and METRO fare cards (if needed). The work will primarily take place in August on some weekdays and a few Saturdays. Volunteer orientations will be held prior to beginning the work. If interested, fill out out the Volunteer Information form and sign up for shifts you are available to volunteer.

Mercer Botanic Gardens Volunteer Orientation

On July 29, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will hold an orientation for prospective volunteers. The orientation will detail the various volunteer opportunities, from helping maintain our gardens, to plant propagation and sales, to educational programs and the Mercer Ambassadors. This orientation will be off site at the Timber Lane Community Center, 1904 Naplechase Crest Drive in Spring. Participants must be 16 or older or 12-15 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Limited space is available, and registration is required. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Project Row Houses: Gulf Coast Anthropocene

Project Row Houses is excited to announce the unveiling of Round 52: Gulf Coast Anthropocene, curated by Ryan N. Dennis and Dr. Willie Wright, at the Opening + Community Market on Saturday, July 31, 2021, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Artists’ Porch Talks will take place between 3 and 4 p.m. Across the globe, climate change has become an internationally recognized issue. In other circles, it has been viewed as an example of the Anthropocene, a geological era associated with human’s impact on the earth. This Round questions what public art can inform us about this era, our connection to the built and natural environments, and our need for a more just and sustainable here-and-now. This Round does not subscribe to the notion that all people pollute equally. Participating artists include Kai Lumumba Barrow, Whit Forrester, Preston Gaines, HTX Community Fridges, Kindred Stories, Christina Molina, Rebecca Novak, and Xaviera Simmons. Learn more at projectrowhouses.org. The exhibits will be on view through Dec. 5, 2021.

My Scenic Houston Photo Contest

Scenic Houston has launched its first annual My Scenic Houston Photo Contest. Scenic Houston is inviting photographers of every level to participate. Photos are a great way to showcase our eclectic City and the scenic character of Houston’s outdoor spaces. The deadline is Saturday, July 31. For more information on how to enter, visit scenichouston.org.

World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council

Youth ages 16-24 are invited to apply to become a member of the World Ocean Day Advisory Council, which helps develop World Ocean Day into a unique opportunity to connect and unite youth and others around our blue planet, with the focus on action for a healthier ocean and more sustainable society. Currently the Council includes 25 youth from 22 countries. The Council is looking to fill 10 positions for 2021-2022. Applications are due by July 31, 2021. For more information, visit worldoceanday.org.

Houston Audubon’s Flock Together Photo Contest

Houston Audubon seeks photos in its Flock Together Photo Contest that best illustrate the following categories: Bird-Friendly Communities, Small-in-Frame, Bird of Houston, Bird Fails and Funnies, Birds in Flight, and Birds of All Feathers. The submission period is from Aug. 1-29, 2021. Judging will be based on content, creativity, uniqueness, and overall impression within its submitted category. All entries are eligible for the People’s Choice Award and will automatically be entered.Winners will be announced during Houston Bird Week on Sept. 25. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Great American Outdoors Day

Following passage and signing of the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020, August 4 is designated each year as Great American Outdoors Day, a free entrance day at national parks and other federal lands. The Great American Outdoors Act enables national parks and other federal lands to repair and upgrade vital infrastructure and facilities that will enrich the visitor experience, protect resources, and enable increased access for all visitors. In the greater Houston-Galveston region, federal lands include the Big Thicket National Preserve and the Anahuac National Widlife Refuge.

Tree-rific Volunteers

On Aug. 4 and 18, 2021, beginning at 8 a.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens invites volunteers to care for nursery trees by giving them some tender love and care. The work is outdoors, so come prepared to get your hands dirty. Bring gloves and a refillable water bottle. Meet at The Mercer Society’s Horticultural Propagation Center, approximately one mile from Mercer at 3602 Hirschfield Road in Spring. Register online at hcp4.net/mercer/events. For more information, call 281-353-8100 or email legacytrees@hcp4.net.

Student Research & Education Symposium

On Aug. 4, 2021, from 5:30-8 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens and the Heartwood Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Organization will hold the Student Research & Education Symposium at the Timber Lane Community Center, 1904 Naplechase Crest Dr, Spring. Mercer Botanic Gardens partners with colleges, universities, and high schools to find motivated students who wish to conduct botanic research, engage garden visitors through programming, and explore natural mosquito abatement methods at our facilities. This year, students and interns will present projects featuring research of Mercer’s globally diverse botanical collections; research and documentation of the herbarium collection of more than 50,000 plant specimens; propagation work for Mercer’s greenhouse collections; and mosquito abatement research conducted by Precinct 4’s Biological Control Initiative program. For more information and to register, visit apps.hcp4.net.

Photo Safari Stories from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

On Aug. 5, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., as part of the National Marine Sanctuaries’ annual Get Into Your Sanctuary celebration, the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will present stories inspired by its recent Photo Safari Scavenger Hunt. Participants will discuss the animals, habitats, and situations that the photos bring to mind. You might hear about the natural history of the area and the creatures that live there, the research underway to understand and protect the sanctuary, or even funny stories and encounters they’ve had during the course of our work. For more information and to register, visit gotowebinar.com.

Gulf Coast Green Symposium: Environmental Equity

From Aug. 5-6, 2021, AIA Houston’s 16th Annual Gulf Coast Green Conference, themed “Environmental Equity,” will be held virtually. This year’s conference looks at the important role that environmental equity holds in both the AEC community and the built environment. How does the built environment engage and enhance the community? Minority and lower socio-economic neighborhoods frequently bear the brunt of the impacts of unhealthy, energy inefficient, and disaster vulnerable buildings, and these communities have been historically underserved and displaced through policy and lack of representation. These chronic stressors are amplified in times of disaster, due to their vulnerable locations and fewer resources for recovery. How do we reduce these disparities and create vibrant equitable places for everyone? For more information and to register, visit aiah-gulfcoastgreen.org.

Open Flood Districts position at the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group

The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group is soliciting nominations for individuals interested in becoming a voting member to represent Flood Districts on the
San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group. Nominees who have strong affiliation, or are endorsed by Flood Districts within Region 6 are encouraged to apply. This individual
must have demonstrated public service experience and show they are capable of acting in
a leadership role. As the Flood District voting member representative, this individual must
be prepared to adequately represent the interest and concerns of all Flood Districts within
the San Jacinto Region. Nominations may be made to the Region 6 – San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group Sponsor, Harris County, until Aug. 6, 2021 by 5 p.m. Find the full notice, including the nomination form, at twdb.texas.gov under the heading “Open Solicitation for Vacant RFPG Member Positions”.

Rain Barrel Workshop

On Aug. 7, 2021, Galveston Bay Foundation and Urban Harvest will present a Rain Barrel Workshop consisting of a virtual presentation via Zoom on the environmental benefits of collecting rainwater, as well as proper rain barrel preparation, installation instructions and tips. Barrel and kit pick-up will be from 9 a.m.-noon at 3302 Canal St., Houston and the virtual workshop will be that afternoon from 2-3 p.m. For more information and to register, visit support.galvbay.org.

Floods and Phytoremediation

On Aug. 7, 2021, from 1-4 p.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center will present a symposium featuring guest speakers who will discuss will present the health hazards of extreme flooding and how native plants can help reduce the toxicity
of these weather events. In partnership with Jones Park, Lone Star College – Kingwood and the Citizens Environmental Coalition work with local residents and organizations to create healthy, resilient, and research-based practices at Jones Park. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Purple Martin Migration Watch Party

On Aug. 7, 2021, Houston Audubon will host watch parties at The Fountains (in Stafford) and WIllowbrook Mall to watch the annual migration of the Purple Martin. From July to September, Houston’s Purple Martins spend most of the day feeding on flying insects to build energy for their long journey across the Gulf of Mexico. At dusk, they form large flocks and roost together in preparation for migration. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Funding Opportunity: Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice

The National Academies’ Gulf Research Program is developing new programming around health and community resilience that prioritizes the needs and challenges of at-risk communities that disproportionately live in unsafe and unhealthy environments. This funding opportunity seeks to build the future leaders needed to confront the complex challenges to human health and the environment in the 21st Century. The GRP expects to award up to six proposals under this funding opportunity. Applicants may request up to $250,000 per year for up to five years. The deadline for submissions of full proposals due by 4 p.m. Central Time, Aug. 23, 2021. Find full details at nationalacademies.org.

“Get Into Your Sanctuary” photo contest

In celebration of national Get Into Your Sanctuary activities from Aug. 2-8, 2021, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is hosting its annual photo contest. Through Labor Day, ONMS is accepting the public’s best photos of the National Marine Sanctuary System to help celebrate the beauty and importance of these special places, including Texas’s own Flower Garden Banks NMS. The categories are: Sanctuary Views, Sanctuary Life, Sanctuary Recreation, and Sanctuaries at Home. Winning photos will be featured in next year’s Earth Is Blue Magazine and on the Earth Is Blue social media campaign. For more information, including how to submit photos, visit sanctuaries.noaa.gov.

Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program

The Clear Lake chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is accepting applications for the second year of the Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program. This is an opportunity for nature centers, schools, educational groups, student groups, youth organizations and others in Brazoria, Galveston and Harris Counties needing funds for new or existing pollinator habitats in a public space. Priority is given to projects located in Brazoria County, Galveston County, and the southeast quadrant of Harris County. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1, 2021. Watch an overview of last year’s projects on the chapter’s YouTube channel here. Find full details at npsot.org.

TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife

Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 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.

  • Some fish biologists are tracking largemouth bass on Toledo Bend Reservoir and Lake Fork to determine if increased fishing pressure at these legendary lakes is changing fish behavior in ways that could make them more difficult for anglers to catch
  • Human activity has taken the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle to the brink of extinction. For the past 40 years, biologists from state and federal agencies have worked together with an army of volunteers to help preserve this rarest species of sea turtle
  • Coronavirus dangers kept many families trapped at home for work and school throughout 2020. See how one family coped with the confinement by exploring the natural world right outside their door

Additional Upcoming Events

Check out the latest Green Jobs at cechouston.org/green-jobs/.

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