Houston Environmental News Update March 19, 2013
- Support CEC with Workplace Giving
- Buffalo Bayou Partnership at the OKRA Charity Saloon
- Public Comment – Transportation Improvement Program Projects
- Cypress Creek Greenway Initiative
- Going Green Sustainability Lecture: Energy Efficiency Upgrades for
Your House - Houston Green Film Series: Complete Streets in Film
- Alliance for Clean Texas (ACT) Lobby Day
- Root Ball 2013
- Texas Stream Team Certified Water Monitoring Training
- March Mart
- Fresh Air Friday
- River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash
- Earth Day GreenUp
- HANC Spring Fling
- Garden Dialogues: Houston
- Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo 2013
- BOPA Collection Event
- Ray C. Anderson Foundation Environmental Grants Program
- Conservation Innovation Grants
- Marsha Hill Classic Golf Tournament
- TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
- Air Quality Forecast
- Judge orders Texas to protect whooping cranes (Mike Tolson – Houston
Chronicle, 3/12/2013) - Critics Smell Trouble With Sewage Spill Bill (David Barer –
StateImpact, 3/6/2013) - Prize-winning recycling plan could start in 2 years (Carol Chrisitan –
Houston Chronicle, 3/13/2013)
- NEW! Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Program Intern through ExxonMobil
Community Summer Jobs Program - NEW! Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Summer Projects Intern through
Shell Nonprofit Internship Program - NEW! Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program seeks Interns
- NEW! The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a part-time Grants
Billing Specialist - Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator
Interns (2 positions) - The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks full-time Volunteer Programs
Coordinator - Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital
Coordinator - Air Alliance Houston seeks Executive Director
- Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator
- ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern
- Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs
Intern - The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders
- The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks
Project Intern - The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks
Research Coordinator. - Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership seeks Watershed Director
- Galveston Baykeeper seeks a Baykeeper/Wetland Watch Coordinator
- Houston Endowment is seeking a Vice President For Programs
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE with survey!
SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS
Support CEC with Workplace Giving
Do you work for United Airlines, HISD, Cy-Fair ISD, the City of Houston, Wells Fargo, Wal-mart, the State of Texas, or Houston Metro? These are just a few of the organizations that participate in the workplace giving program of EarthShare Texas. CEC–and several of its member groups–benefit when you participate. Visit www.earthshare-texas.org for more information.
- Buffalo Bayou Partnership at the OKRA Charity Saloon.
BBP been chosen as 1 of 4 charities that you can support in March by
voting at the OKRA Charity Saloon. All of the proceeds for March will be
donated to the charity that receives the most votes this month. Learn
more at http://www.friedokra.org/charity-bar.html. - Public Comment – Transportation Improvement Program Projects.
The region’s Transportation Policy Council (TPC) is soliciting public
comment on candidate 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
projects. Approximately $600 million of funding requests remain eligible
for consideration from applications submitted last summer by local
governments, METRO, TxDOT and other regional partners. A list of
candidate projects is available on the H-GAC website at http://www.h-gac.com/taq/tip.
Projects range from pedestrian and bicycle projects in Houston’s uptown
area and over a dozen other locations, road striping, highway
improvements, land acquisition, bus service, park and ride facilities,
and planning projects. Two public comment meetings will be held on
Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at noon and at 6:00 pm at H-GAC offices.
Comments are due by April 6, 2013, and may be to publiccomments@h-gac.com.
Following the public comment period, a program of projects will be
submitted to the TPC for its consideration at its April 26 meeting. - Cypress Creek Greenway Initiative. Working with the
Bayou Greenway Initiative, the Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition,
and the Houston-Galveston Area Council, two consultation firms
conducting a study concerning the implementation of the Cypress Creek
Greenway are requesting feedback from residents and local
officials. CDS Spillette Alliance—an urban consulting and market
research group—and Marsh Darcy Partners—a real estate and planning
firm—have produced a survey to gather feedback, and they will host three
open houses in March for further input from the community. The open
houses will be from 6:30-8:30pm on March 19, 2013, at Saint Aidan’s
Episcopal Church (13131 Fry Road, Cypress), on March 21, 2013, at
Cypress Creek Christian Church (6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring), and on
March 26, 2013, at Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (22306 Aldine
Westfield Road, Humble). More at http://impactnews.com/. - Going Green Sustainability Lecture: Energy Efficiency Upgrades
for Your House. Going Green Sustainability Lecture Presented
by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. on March 19, 2013, 7-8pm, at the South
Regional County Library. The speaker, Ronald Keichline, Global
Sustainability Coordinator, will be presenting “Energy Efficiency
Upgrades for Your House.” Much of the attention for “green†homes is
focused on new construction – from innovative building materials and
advanced architectural designs to high-tech gadÂgets and next-generation
Energy Star appliances, these shiny new homes get all the attention. But
what about the rest of us, living in homes that were built long before
these practices became more common? What can we do to improve them?
There is hope! Studies suggest that improving energy effiÂciency of
existing buildings can have a better overall life cycle impact than
starting over. And it’s much less expensive! But there are also
challenges and trade-offs to be considered. More at http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org/.
This is a free event. - Houston Green Film Series: Complete Streets in Film.
Complete Streets is the concept that street design should prioritize the
safety of all users of all modes from all neighborhoods. Houston
Tomorrow and the Houston Coalition for Complete Streets will be hosting
Houston Complete Streets April 13 – 20, 2013. Continue the Houston Green
Film Series with a Complete Streets cram session to prepare for Houston
Complete Streets Week. The event will be on March 20, 2013, 6:30-9:30pm,
at the Rice University Media Center. There will be a series of short
films including many from StreetsFilms.org as well as local and state
governments across the nation. An expert panel following the film will
be comprised of Houstonians working on the health, economic, and
environmental benefits of Complete Streets. Light dinner kindly donated
by Dr. Pat Speck and Dry Bones Cafe. A $5 donation is suggested and
greatly appreciated. More at http://www.houstontomorrow.org/. - Alliance for Clean Texas (ACT) Lobby Day. With the
83rd Texas Legislative Session underway, people are signing up for the
Alliance for Clean Texas (ACT) Lobby Day, March 20, 2013, at the
Capitol. CEC member organizations that participate in ACT
include Air Alliance Houston, Environment Texas, Environmental
Defense Fund, Sierra Club–Lonestar Chapter, Texas Campaign for the
Environment, and The Nature Conservancy. Learn more and register at http://www.acttexas.org/. - Root Ball 2013. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating,
savory buffet, tasty beverages, music by Klockwork and dancing under the
canopy of leaves at Trees For Houston’s “Root Ball 2013: Club Coco.” The
ball will be held on March 21, 2013 at 7pm at the Bayou Club (8550
Memorial Dr). Individual tickets start at $350; tables start at $5,000.
Proceeds benefit Trees For Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to planting,
protecting and promoting trees along parkways, thoroughfares,
neighborhoods and schools. More at http://houston.culturemap.com/. - Texas Stream Team Certified Water Monitoring Training.
Come to the first training session of the year and become a Texas Stream
Team Certified member of Galveston Bay Foundation’s Volunteer Water
Monitoring Team. At this training session, participants will learn about
the history and importance of citizen monitoring and complete the first
two of three phases of the certification. All three phases are very
hands-on. Phase I is held in a classroom group setting, Phase II
provides the group an opportunity to conduct the monitoring procedures
in the field, and Phase III is conducted as a one-on-one session with
the trainer and volunteer at the volunteer’s monitoring site. This
training will take place at the Starfleet Marina in Kemah, TX, on March
22, 2013, from 9am-4pm. The training is FREE! You must register by March
19th; space is limited. To register or for more information contact the
Water Quality Team at waterquality@galvbay.org or (281) 332-3381 Ext.
215. - March Mart. March Mart is brought to you by
volunteers at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens and The Mercer
Society; this is the place to find all your year-round garden plants.
Visit Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens on March 22, 2013, 8am-4pm
for this sale! Special treats also entice the discerning plant
collector! Whether you are new to gardening, new to the Houston area, or
very experienced there is a new treasure awaiting the perfect spot in
your heart and garden. Knowledgeable volunteers will inspire you with
their amazing plant options. The Members Only Plant Sale is Thursday,
March 21; please call 281-443-8731 for details. http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/ - Fresh Air Friday. H-GAC is helping commuters get more
out of their day at Fresh Air Friday, an annual event that explores the
variety of commute alternatives available to help save time and money.
H-GAC and other local organizations will share tips on commute
alternatives, showcase hybrid vehicles and share information on how to
improve air quality. Local food vendors will provide free food and
drinks to attendees throughout the Plaza. Fresh Air Friday will also
feature giveaways throughout the afternoon and the official healthcare
sponsor, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, will provide free health screenings for
attendees. Come to Jones Plaza on March 22, 2013, 11am-1pm for Fresh Air
Friday! http://cechouston.org/ - River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash. Once a year
thousands of volunteers gather along the Texas waterways to do their
part in cleaning up the environment and participate in the largest
statewide event to educate the public about the importance of our water
resources. Trash Bash occurs rain or shine, on March 23, 2013, at
various locations around the state. Trash Bash is a half day event and
begins between 8:00/8:30 am in the morning and ends at 1:30 in the
afternoon. Pick a cleanup
site near you. To learn more and to register, visit www.trashbash.org. - Earth Day GreenUp. Earth Day 2013 marks the third
annual community-wide stewardship project for The Woodlands Township.
Connect with neighbors and the outdoors by joining or leading a cleanup
crew bagging trash from streets, pathways and streams. You gather your
friends, and they provide the bags! Earth Day GreenUp will take place on
March 23, 2013 from 8am-2pm in The Woodlands. More at http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/
and http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org/. - HANC Spring Fling. Celebrate spring with the Houston
Arboretum & Nature Center on March 23, 2013 from 10am-2pm. HANC will
be ringing in spring with a baby animal petting zoo and selling baskets
of butterfly-friendly native flowers to get your yard ready for the
season! There will be discounted prices for members on baskets and a
bake sale with a variety of homemade treats. Hanc the Owl will also make
an appearance, dressed in his spring finest! This is a free event! Visit
http://www.houstonarboretum.org/
for more information.
- Garden Dialogues: Houston. On March 23, 2013, the
public can get exclusive access to private gardens in Houston and hear
directly from the designers and their clients about their collaborative
process. How do clients and designers work together? What makes for a
great, enduring collaboration? Garden Dialogues provides unique
opportunities for small groups to visit some of today’s most beautiful
gardens created by some of the most accomplished designers currently in
practice. There will be two presentations on March 23. Keiji Asakura of
Asakura Robinson Company will show the gardens of The Weber Estate in
Magnolia, TX from 10:30am-12pm. Cedar Baldridge of Baldridge Landscape,
Stephen Fox of Architectural Historian, and Dillon Kyle AIA will show
the Meredith Long Gallery in Houston from 1:30-3pm. Learn more and
register at http://tclf.org/. Tickets are $35 for presentation. - Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo 2013. Learn
eco-friendly tips that can help bring balance to your backyard and your
life! Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling is designed to
help families learn a little about the land on which they live — and how
to best take care of it — through hands-on clinics, live demonstrations
and children’s activities. It doesn’t matter if you’re a nature lover or
outdoor enthusiast. It doesn’t matter if you’re an urban homeowner or a
rural landowner. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got just one tree in your
yard or thousands of them. Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring
Fling has got you covered. The expo will take place on March 23, 2013,
from 10am-4pm, at the Lone Star College-Montgomery (3200 College Park
Drive). Best of all, it’s free! Learn more at http://expo.tamu.edu/. - BOPA Collection Event. The next BOPA Collection Event
will be on Saturday March 23, 2013, 9 am to 1 pm, at the Kingwood Metro
Park and Ride (2894 West Lake Houston). This is a once a year event to
collect Batteries, Oil, Latex Paint, and Antifreeze. Visit http://cechouston.org/
for a list of accepted items. - Ray C. Anderson Foundation Environmental Grants Program.
The Ray C. Anderson Foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry from
nonprofit environmental organizations for initiatives that support
environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the United States.
Through its Gray Notes Grants program, the foundation awards grants of
between $2,000 and $25,000 for environmental conservation, preservation,
education, and restoration initiatives; urban agriculture programs;
clean water and clean air projects; environmental and economic think
tanks; and grassroots initiatives that inform and inspire people to
collaborate and take positive action to protect the planet. More at http://foundationcenter.org/. - Conservation Innovation Grants. The Conservation
Innovation Grant program (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to
stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation
approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in
environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with
agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal
governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals.
NRCS is offering a funding opportunity to stimulate the development and
adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies, while
leveraging the Federal investment in environmental enhancement and
protection in conjunction with agricultural production.The application
period is open until March 22, 2013. More at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/. - Marsha Hill Classic Golf Tournament. The third annual
Marsha Hill Classic Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, April 19,
2013 at the Clear Creek Golf Course in Tom Bass Park. Proceeds will go
to the Marsha Hill Memorial Scholarship Program to help fund the
education of deserving students in the area studying environmental
science or a related topic. Marsha was a Rice University grad, longtime
employee of the TCEQ and its predecessor agencies, and a dedicated
environmental advocate. Golfers, sponsors and volunteers are needed.
Please see www.marshahillclassic.org for information and registration. - 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:- Restoring the Pines
- Lonnie Stanley, Fishing Hall of Famer
- Stephen F. Austin State Park
- 50th Film History
- Found Flycatcher
- Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html.
Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.- March 19: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone.
Incoming background levels may be high enough for ozone to
reach “Moderate” levels on the north and northwest side of the
Houston area, with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early
evening. - March 20: Green–Good.
Moderate winds and decreasing background levels should help to keep
air quality in the “Good” range statewide. - March 21: Green–Good.
Moderate winds and/or low background levels should help to keep air
quality in the “Good” range statewide.
- March 19: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone.
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).
- Judge orders Texas to protect whooping cranes (Mike
Tolson – Houston Chronicle, 3/12/2013)A federal judge has ruled that the state of Texas failed to take
necessary steps to provide enough water to maintain the habitat of the
endangered whooping crane – a decision which could have implications on
how water in some areas is rationed in future droughts. TCEQ will need
to devise a plan that will supply fresh water into bays where the cranes
live by exercising authority that it already has under state law during
an emergency.http://www.chron.com/ - Critics Smell Trouble With Sewage Spill Bill (David
Barer – StateImpact, 3/6/2013)Lawmakers and critics voiced various concerns about a sewage spill bill
at a House Natural Resources Committee meeting at the Capitol. The bill,
HB 824, would put a floor on the size of spills that must be reported by
utilities to the TCEQ. If the bill passes, most spills below 1,500
gallons would not need to be reported to authorities.http://stateimpact.npr.org/ - Prize-winning recycling plan could start in 2 years
(Carol Chrisitan – Houston Chronicle, 3/13/2013)Houston’s plan to increase its dismal recycling rate fivefold got a boost Wednesday, when Mayor Annise Parker accepted a $1 million prize
from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The city’s “One Bin for All” idea would
allow residents to mix trash, recyclables, yard clippings, food and
other waste in a single container, to be automatically sorted at a
first-of-its-kind $100 million plant to be built and run by a private
firm. The city plans next month to issue a request for proposals from
companies interested in the plan, with construction starting as early as
next year.http://www.chron.com/
GREEN JOBS Tell them you heard about it from us! Job listings can be found at CEC’s Green Jobs page.
- NEW! Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Program Intern through
ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program. The Galveston Bay
Foundation (GBF), located just south of Houston in Webster, seeks a
Program Intern to assist in fields of volunteer coordination, water
quality outreach, marketing, habitat conservation, and general
administrative duties over eight weeks during the summer. Full
internship opportunity details, qualifications, restrictions, and
application instructions can be found here http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html
by clicking on “Program Intern.†The deadline by which to submit
application materials is March 31, 2013. - NEW! Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Summer
Projects Intern through Shell Nonprofit Internship Program.
The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF), located just south of Houston in
Webster, seeks a Summer Projects Intern to assist in fields of marketing
and membership coordination, volunteer coordination and community
outreach, education, event planning, habitat conservation, and general
administrative duties over eight weeks during the summer. Full
internship opportunity details, qualifications, restrictions, and
application instructions can be found here http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html
by clicking on “Summer Projects Intern.†The deadline by which to submit
application materials is March 31, 2013. - NEW! Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program seeks
Interns. Apply now for an internship with the Houston Zoo
Collegiate Conservation Program sponsored by ExxonMobil. Ten interns
will be selected to train, learn, and work for 8 weeks at the Houston
Zoo, and at regional conservation partner locations, from May 13, 2013 –
July 5, 2013. Interns will receive a $1,500 stipend at the conclusion of
the internship. The stipends are sponsored by a generous donation from
ExxonMobil. Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program internships are
designed for college sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are interested
in a participatory, team-based summer internship opportunity that
focuses on field conservation science techniques, conservation education
program development, and culminates in proposing a regional conservation
education project. Program participants will learn career skills and
field techniques deeply routed in the sciences. The application deadline
is March 31st. Houston Zoo Conservation Education Institute fellowship
applications may be found at http://www.houstonzoo.org/volunteering/.
For additional information, please email education@houstonzoo.org. - The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a part-time Grants
Billing Specialist. This position fulfills reimbursement
billing duties related to GBF’s government grants as a member of our
Administrative Team. The Grants Billing Specialist will prepare
reimbursement billings in accordance with the schedule, formats, and
content required by each granting agency; submit reimbursement billings
to appropriate contacts at each granting agency and maintain
correspondence to ensure timely receipt of reimbursement; and coordinate
with Accounting Manager on other administrative functions.
Qualifications and abilities should include a bachelor’s degree in
Accounting, received or in progress (may also consider non-degreed
candidate with a minimum of 3 years bookkeeping experience); QuickBooks
financial software experience preferred, but not required; and a
detail-oriented work style with a focus on efficiency and accuracy. For
a full job description, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.
To apply, email cover letter and resume to jtownsend@galvbay.org by
March 30, 2013. - Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality
Investigator Interns (2 positions). The interns will serve
as a member of a team to conduct investigative water sampling in
Houston-area bayous upstream of locations with identified high fecal
indicator bacteria. For more information see: http://www.bayoupreservation.org/employment. Contact: Steve Hupp, Water Quality Director;Â shupp@bayoupreservation.org; 713-529-6443. - The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks full-time Volunteer
Programs Coordinator. This position serves as GBF’s
volunteer coordinator responsible for recruiting and training volunteers
and acknowledging and recognizing volunteer contributions; manages GBF’s
community-based public programs/events, including Marsh Mania, Bay Day,
Trash Bash, and Abandoned Crab Trap Removal; arranges volunteer
opportunities/events for corporate groups, alternative spring break
groups, and other interested parties; maintains the volunteer database;
coordinates GBF’s internship programs; and works closely with GBF’s
development team. Qualifications and abilities should include: a
Bachelor’s degree (required); related trainings such as CPR/First Aid a
plus; three or more years of professional experience, preferably with
project, event, and/or volunteer management; strong interpersonal
skills; exceptional verbal and written communication skills and
presentation skills; and comfort (and preferably experience) with field
work in coastal environments. For a full job description, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs. To apply, email cover letter and resume to csmith@galvbay.org by March 31, 2013. - Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital
Coordinator. The Bayou Greenways 2020 (BG2020) project aims to create a united urban park system like no other
in the nation. By developing linear parks and trails along all the major
bayous that flow throughout Houston, BG2020 will add nearly 1,500 acres
of additional park land to Houston’s inventory. The Grassroots and
Digital Coordinator will be responsible for developing online and web
strategies, creating and executing email campaigns, maintaining and
managing multiple websites, and organizing and coordinating online and
offline community outreach and grassroots outreach efforts.
Responsibilities also include managing the organization’s relationship
with online community influencers, including reaching out to external
blogs and online communities. To Apply: Cover letter, resume and three
references should be emailed to: Jen Powis, Advocacy Director at
jen@houstonparksboard.org. - Air Alliance Houston seeks Executive Director. The
executive director reports to the board of directors. The executive
director supervises AAH staff and all projects/initiatives. The
executive director is the main representative of AAH to government,
industry, the media, partner organizations, other advocates,
foundations, donors, and the general public. In addition, the executive
director is responsible for the administration and strategic development
of AAH. More information, visit http://airalliancehouston.org. - Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator.
The Nature Discovery Center is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator
to manage all areas related to volunteer work at the Center. The ideal
candidate will be adept at working with a variety of personalities and
styles, technologically savvy, and goal-oriented. Additional
requirements include sense of humor and love of nature. A background in
science, education, or conservation is helpful though not required.
Responsibilities include: recruit, interview and place applicants for
volunteer work at the Nature Discovery Center; conduct and arrange
volunteer orientation and training, including the Teen Volunteer Summer
Program and most special events; create and maintain a volunteer
database and a system for reporting volunteer statistics; and coordinate
all volunteer activity with staff. For more information about the
Volunteer Coordinator position, or to apply contact: Sarah Flournoy,
Executive Director at sflournoy@naturediscoverycenter.org or
713.667.6550. - ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research
Intern. The intern will participate in research and
administrative work in preparation for the upcoming exhibition to be
held at the Julia Ideson Library related to Hermann Park’s centennial
celebration in 2014. Primary responsibilities include carrying out
research related to Hermann Park, including historical materials,
publications, documents, photographs, master plan(s), sketches,
artworks, etc.; archiving, cataloguing and chronology; correspondence
and communications (writing letters, e-mails, phone contacts, etc.);
organizing and filing of documents and research materials; maintaining
database of objects and materials; preparing exhibition materials’
bibliography including materials, sources, references; and report
writing. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and
resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell,
Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas
77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org - Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer
Programs Intern. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation
Planning (90%) and Volunteer Programs (10%) Intern. Primary areas of
responsibility include: assisting Hermann Park Conservancy’s (HPC)
Conservation Director with aspects of the continuing development of a
reforestation plan in Hermann Park, and assisting the HPC volunteer
coordinator with volunteer project facilitation with regard to tree
plantings, tree care, park maintenance and other Hermann Park
improvement projects. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover
letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell,
Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas
77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org - 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. - 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 â€search postingsâ€). - 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 â€search postingsâ€) - 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. - 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. - 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.
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/.
Let us know what you think about the senate bills that have been filed!
Take a quick survey to let us know which senate bills are important to
you–and why! We’ll let you know what our readers think. Next week, we’ll
have a similar poll for house bills.
The last day to file bills was March 8, 2013. Learn more at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Reports/General.aspx.
Other 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 were filed before the deadline.
- HB 1903:Â Relating to the appropriation of amounts deposited into
the oyster sales accountand the abolishment of the oyster advisory
committee. - HB 1912: Relating to public improvement districts designated by a
municipalityor county; authorizing assessments. - HB 1932: Relating to regulating faulty on-site sewage disposal
systems in theunincorporated areas of a county as a public nuisance;
providing a criminal penalty. - HB 1935: Relating to authorizing general infrastructure projects to
beundertaken by economic development corporations. - HB 1937: Relating to exempting residents who are at least 65 years of
age frompaying certain parks and wildlife fees. - HB 1963: Relating to the election of a commissioner of the Public
UtilityCommission of Texas. - HB 1964: Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of
Transportation toparticipate in certain federal transportation programs. - HB 1966: Relating to a project that may be undertaken by certain
developmentcorporations in connection with infrastructure improvements
necessary for municipal area development and revitalization. - HB 1973: Relating to the provision of water by a public utility or
water supplyor sewer service corporation for use in fire suppression. - HB 1985:Â Relating to the use of the state highway fund for rail
relocation andimprovement. - HB 1986: Relating to the effect of rules and standards adopted by the
RailroadCommission of Texas relating to the liquefied petroleum gas
industry on ordinances, orders, or rules adopted by political
subdivisions relatingto that industry. - HB 1998: Relating to the eligibility of land for appraisal for ad
valorem taxpurposes as qualified open-space land on the basis of its use
for wildlife management. - HB 2026:Â Relating to the legislature’s goals for renewable
electric generating capacity. - HB 2043: Â Relating to the Texas Mobility Fund.
- HB 2047: Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for certain
tangible personalproperty and services related to mineral exploration
and production. - HB 2049: Relating to a qualifying cogeneration facility’s ability to
sellelectric energy to multiple purchasers. - HB 2068: Relating to establishment and functions of certain urban
land bankprograms. - HB 2074: Relating to a franchise tax deduction for certain
energy-generatingequipment. - HB 2077: Relating to municipal fees in certain populous
municipalities. - HB 2082: Relating to the procedure for action by the Texas Commission
onEnvironmental Quality on applications for certain environmental
permits and administrative and judicial review of the commission’s
action. - HB 2092: Relating to the transfer of responsibility for regulating
deer breedingfrom the Parks and Wildlife Department to the Texas Animal
Health Commission. - HB 2105: Relating to municipally owned utility systems.
- HB 2113: Relating to the regulation of cottage food products and
cottage foodproduction operations. - HB 2120: Relating to permits to construct reservoirs for the storage
of statewater. - HB 2121: Relating to interbasin transfers of state water.
- HB 2122: Relating to the posting by the Railroad Commission of Texas
on itsInternet website of certain enforcement information. - HB 2133: Relating to the public policy for the use of innovative and
alternativewater treatment technologies for water development purposes. - HB 2139: Relating to the authority of the Near Northside Management
District toundertake tax increment financing. - HB 2142: Relating to the report by the Water Conservation Advisory
Council onprogress made in water conservation in this state. - HB 2143: Relating to the evaluation by the Water Conservation
Advisory Councilof water conservation technologies for possible
inclusion in the best management practices guide developed by the water
conservationimplementation task force. - HB 2146: Relating to limits on mining of marl, sand, gravel, shell,
or mudshellin certain protected freshwater areas. - HB 2148: Relating to the motor fuel tax on compressed natural gas and
liquefiednatural gas; providing penalties. - HB 2152: Relating to fees for certain recreational vehicle parks.
- HB 2154: Relating to the applicability of the law governing
innovative programsfor environmental regulation administered by the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. - HB 2156: Relating to the ability of a municipality to regulate or
limit a retailpublic utility’s extension of service or operation of
facilities. - HB 2157: Relating to the offense of maintaining and repairing an
irrigationsystem without a license. - HB 2166: Relating to the continuation, functions, and name of the
RailroadCommission of Texas; providing for the imposition of fees, the
repeal of provisions for the suspension of the collection of fees, and
theelimination of a fee.. - HB 2169: Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on
EnvironmentalQuality to create a groundwater conservation district in
certain counties. - HB 2179: Relating to the regulation of backflow prevention assembly
testers bythe Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners; authorizing a
fee. - HB 2193: Relating to powers of the West Harris County Regional Water
Authorityrelating to certain wells. - HB 2194: Relating to demand-side electric energy resources in the
competitiveelectric market. - HB 2195: Relating to a franchise tax credit for building new
single-family homesor duplexes that meet certain energy efficiency
standards. - HB 2196: Relating to compensation for surplus electricity generated
bydistributed renewable generation. - HB 2202: Relating to the disposition of fees collected by or on
behalf of theTexas Department of Motor Vehicles; authorizing fees. - HB 2225: Relating to the operation of a motor vehicle in the vicinity
of anunprotected road user; providing penalties. - HB 2231: Relating to the additional tax imposed on land appraised for
ad valoremtax purposes as open space land if a change in use of the land
occurs. - HB 2237: Relating to the recovery of rate case expenses by a water
and sewerutility. - HB 2252: Relating to eligibility of charitable organizations to
participate in astate employee charitable campaign. - HB 2277: Relating to the regulation of certain pits used to store
flowback orproduced water from an oil or gas well on which a hydraulic
fracturing treatment has been performed. - HB 2278: Relating to the state highway fund.
- HB 2290: Relating to the retention of a portion of money received by
a localgovernment to implement a supplemental environmental project. - HB 2292: Relating to the notice requirements for the issuance,
renewal, oramendment of certain environmental permits issued by the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. - HB 2316: Relating to the imposition of an additional motor vehicle
registrationfee to be deposited into the Texas Mobility Fund. - HB 2334: Relating to the regulation, development, and treatment of
brackish and marine water. - HB 2338: Relating to the enforcement of restrictive covenants
regarding solar panels. - HB 2362: Relating to the audit and review of river authorities.
- HB 2368: Relating to a study on waste reduction and a statewide waste
reduction plan. - HB 2379: Relating to the amount of money authorized to be used for
Clean Air Act local initiative projects related to vehicles. - HB 2386: Relating to the operation of all-terrain vehicles on public
highways; providing a penalty; authorizing fees. - HB 2406: Relating to the installation, maintenance, operation, and
relocation of saltwater pipeline facilities. - HB 2416: Relating to the provision of bags to customers of a business
at the point of sale. - HB 2433: Relating to the periods during which breeder deer may be
transferred for release. - HB 2434: Relating to prohibiting the production or distribution of
certain records of field trials or the process of hunting or catching
wildlife; providing a civil remedy and creating an offense. - HB 2438: Relating to the authority of a county to assess the costs of
abatement of a nuisance on real property against certain persons. - HB 2446: Relating to the qualifications of certain electric
generation projects for programs designed to encourage the capture and
utilization of carbon dioxide for use in enhanced oil recovery. - HB 2452: Relating to the appointment of a watermaster for the Brazos
River Basin. - HB 2469: Relating to deer breeding in this state and to procedures
regarding certain deer permits. - HB 2486: Relating to the sale or disposal of scrap tires; providing a
civil penalty; creating an offense. - HB 2492: Relating to the allocation of certain revenue from the taxes
imposed on the sale, rental, or use of motor vehicles to the state
highway fund. - HB 2499: Relating to the use of Texas emissions reduction plan funds
for a drayage truck purchase incentive program. - HB 2500: Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of
solar energy property. - HB 2502: Relating to the authority of a municipality to require
owners of real property to keep the property free of certain conditions. - HB 2510: Relating to the continuation and functions of the state
employee charitable campaign. - HB 2516: Relating to fines paid for the violation of a county
regulation prohibiting or restricting outdoor burning. - HB 2517: Relating to the authority of counties to require a person to
notify a local fire department before starting an outdoor fire; creating
a criminal penalty. - HB 2571: Relating to the inspection of certain information regarding
the production, transportation, sale, and marketing of oil and gas from
state land; imposing an administrative penalty. - HB 2577: Relating to water well recordkeeping and reporting
requirements, including the production, use, and withdrawal of
groundwater. - HB 2578: Relating to the development of brackish groundwater.
- HB 2580: Relating to the authority of municipalities to create
freight rail districts that have the powers of rural rail transportation
districts; granting the power of eminent domain. - HB 2590: Relating to the foreclosure sale of property subject to
certain agreements related to the production or sale of oil or gas. - HB 2592: Relating to the liability of certain special-purpose
districts or authorities providing water to a purchaser for the
generation of electricity. - HB 2615: Relating to reporting and information availability
requirements for persons impounding, diverting, or otherwise using state
water; providing a penalty. - HB 2616: Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality to establish uniform restrictions on the use of
water during a drought. - HB 2623: Relating to the authority of certain counties and the
General Land Office to temporarily close a beach or a beach access
point. - HB 2624: Relating to the regulation of water wells under the
jurisdiction of the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation to
prevent groundwater pollution. - HB 2633: Relating to the compensation of an owner of the surface
estate in land for damages associated with mineral exploration and
production operations. - HB 2649: Relating to the punishment for violating certain rules or
permit terms under a permit to trap, transport, and transplant certain
animals. - HB 2659: Relating to mule deer management permits.
- HB 2677: Relating to municipal standards for retail public utilities
that provide water service in the municipality. - HB 2691: Relating to audible warning devices on motor vehicles.
- HB 2692: Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to
establish an economic development program to promote the construction of
small-scale electric generating facilities. - HB 2695: Relating to municipal authority to regulate wind turbines in
the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality. - HB 2708: Relating to the imposition of a tax on water consumption by
certain residential water customers and the use of the revenue generated
by the tax to finance water projects; providing for penalties;
authorizing a fee. - HB 2712: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of energy
storage systems used for the control of air pollution in a nonattainment
area. - HB 2720: Relating to the applicability of the law governing emergency
authorizations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for the
use of state water to certain emergency orders concerning water rights
issued by the executive director of the commission. - HB 2739: Relating to permitting requirements of groundwater
conservation districts, including permits to transfer water. - HB 2740: Relating to the renewal or amendment of permits issued by
groundwater conservation districts. - HB 2742: Relating to the operation of a golf cart or utility vehicle
on a public highway. - HB 2743: Relating to the powers and jurisdiction of a regional
mobility authority. - HB 2744: Relating to the applicability of certain provisions
concerning the transfer of exotic species to certain transfers of water
that supply populous areas. - HB 2746: Relating to exemptions from the sales and use tax for
certain energy-efficient products. - HB 2747: Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the
portion of the appraised value of a person’s property that is
attributable to the installation on the property of a rainwater
harvesting system. - HB 2752: Relating to the development and operation of advanced
brackish desalination projects. - HB 2761: Relating to the protection of stray bison.
- HB 2767: Relating to treating and recycling for beneficial use
certain liquid or semiliquid waste arising out of or incidental to
drilling for or producing oil or gas. - HB 2768: Relating to the administration and judicial review of a suit
involving a groundwater conservation district. - HB 2769: Relating to the process for appealing the desired future
conditions adopted by a groundwater conservation district for an
aquifer. - HB 2779: Relating to the taxation and titling of certain off-road
vehicles; providing penalties. - HB 2781: Relating to rainwater harvesting and other water
conservation initiatives. - HBÂ 2799: Relating to the transfer from the state to a county of a
portion of the revenue derived from oil and gas leases of land owned by the county to be used by the county for road maintenance purposes. - HB 2800: Relating to funding for certain county transportation
infrastructure projects. - HB 2814: Relating to the use of utility usage information by
governmental entities. - HBÂ 2828: Relating to the effect of rules and standards adopted by the
Railroad Commission of Texas relating to the gas pipeline industry on
ordinances, orders or rules adopted by political subdivisions. - HB 2840: Relating to the urban land bank demonstration program in
certain municipalities. - HB 2859: Relating to the amount of money authorized to be used for
Clean Air Act local initiative projects related to vehicles. - HB 2894: Relating to reports on energy use at buildings of certain
governmental entities and energy efficiency projects for those
buildings. - HB 2908: Relating to authority of a municipality to adopt certain
ordinances. - HB 2922: Relating to the eligibility of land for appraisal for ad
valorem tax purposes as qualified open-space land on the basis of its
use for wildlife management. - HB 2923: Relating to the establishment of a program for the
collection, transportation, and recycling of architectural paint. - HB 2949: Relating to a performance-based program for permits issued
by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. - HB 2982: Relating to the power of the Railroad Commission of Texas to adopt and enforce safety standards and practices applicable to the
transportation by pipeline of certain substances and to certain pipeline
facilities. - HB 2987: Relating to certain water districts that do not provide
water and sanitary sewer service to certain users in the districts’
territory. - HB 2992: Relating to the reuse, discharge, or disposal of fluid
produced from certain oil or gas wells on which a hydraulic fracturing
treatment has been performed. - HB 2993: Relating to the creation of a game animal meat safety task
force. - HB 2996: Relating to regulation by the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality of the land application of Class B sludge. - HB 2997: Relating to regulation by the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality of the land application of Class B sludge. - HB 2998: Relating to the insurance requirement concerning a permit
application for applying Class B sludge on a land application unit. - There are about 900 more house bills to review; we’ll post our picks
on the website soon.
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, and like, download, or subcribe to the calendar.
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 Managing Editor
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
Rachel Tardiff, Calendar Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org