News Archive

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2008

Drinking Water After Hurricane Ike (09/29/2008)
After Hurricane Ike passed, Houston-area residents learned they could  at least for a time  do without many everyday mainstays: air conditioning, television, electric lights, refrigeration and home laundry. What no one can live without, even for a few days, is clean, drinkable water.

And yet, as of last week, there were some 250,000 Houston-area residents making do without a home source of running water, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The commission, which regulates more than 2,500 public water systems in the 10-county region that felt the brunt of Hurricane Ike, notes 600,000 with an unconfirmed water status also might have no running water.

Spartech Cuts Waste 54% (09/26/2008)
During 2007, Spartech Corporation prevented or recycling over 287 million pounds of waste, which represents a 54 percent increase over 2006 efforts.

Thirty-five of Spartechs plants have been recognized by the U.S. EPA and WasteWise for the waste reduction. Each year, WasteWise develops an individualized Climate Profile for partners that translates waste prevention and recycling figures into greenhouse gas emission reduction equivalencies.

Emissions Reductions Could Increase Company Value By 80% (09/23/2008)
Emissions reductions will create business opportunities and risks, and companies futures will depend on how well prepared they are for the move, according to a new report by the Carbon Trust, Climate Change: a business revolution? Forward thinking businesses could increase company value by up to 80 percent. Poorly positioned and laggard companies run the greatest risk of destroying value.

Overall, tackling climate change can have a significant impact on company value in six sectors worth a total of $7 trillion. The research also found that as much as 65 percent of company value was at risk in some sectors.

Plane carrying IBWC directors missing (09/19/2008)
Authorities searched Monday for a plane carrying the U.S. and Mexican heads of the International Water and Boundary Commission. Commissioners Carlos Marin, of the U.S. section, and Arturo Herrera, from Mexico, were flying to Presidio from El Paso to check out flooding along the Rio Grande but the plane did not land as scheduled, Presidio County Judge Jerry Agen said.

Austin businesses learn how to reduce pollution (09/18/2008)
Plant and safety managers and engineers at companies of all sizes learned ways to reduce waste and make their business practices greener Wednesday.

The pollution prevention workshop held at the Sheraton Austin Hotel helped businesses find ways to comply with the Texas Waste Reduction Act while saving money.

How to Calculate--and Reduce--Your Carbon Footprint (09/18/2008)
With global warming redefining the environmental, political and economic landscape these days, people everywhere are seeking a better understanding of how much their everyday decisions contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Online calculators can help you measure the size of your carbon footprint and provide recommendations for things you can do to reduce it. Learn how to calculate and reduce your carbon footprint, starting today.

Pollution Prevention Workshops - learn to save money by reducing waste (09/18/2008)
The University of Texas at Arlington is offering a pollution prevention (P2) planning workshop to help businesses save money by reducing waste, bringing economic benefits through environmental improvement. The course also will help companies comply with the Texas Waste Reduction Policy Act (WRPA).

Held in partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the workshop will teach lean manufacturing techniques and other strategies that businesses have used to improve efficiency while decreasing or eliminating pollution. Experts in pollution prevention, environmental management systems (EMS), environmental regulations, lean manufacturing and energy efficiency conduct an interactive workshop with classroom exercises that allow businesses to immediately identify wastes in their process and evaluate money-saving options.

Green Manufacturing Can Help 'Move Business Forward' (09/17/2008)
LONDON, UK -- Manufacturers increasingly see green initiatives as a way to move business forward through cost savings, improved efficiency and reputation boost, according to a new survey.

Eyefortransport (EFT) turned to 300 North American executives overseeing manufacturing, operations and supply chains to gauge adoption and perception of green efforts. The results showed a majority see the price barrier to green manufacturing shrinking and a view that environmentally friendly practices can be successfully combined with traditional business practices.

Half of GM Plants to Be Landfill-Free By Late 2010 (09/17/2008)
General Motors plans to reduce, reuse, and recycle all waste from more than 80 manufacturing plants around the world by the end of 2010.

Whatever is left over will get transformed into energy as part of a massive drive to avoid sending any manufacturing remnants to landfills. Forty-three plants have reached landfill-free status, including 10 in the U.S. and 33 in Mexico, Korea, Germany, Poland, Canada, Austria, Hungary and France.

The move isn't just about saving the environment: Greener and leaner manufacturing operations lead to bigger bottom lines.

Manufacturers Poised for Energy Efficiency Opportunity (09/17/2008)
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. manufacturers on the cusp of investing to boost capacity face a great opportunity to incorporate energy efficiency in their decision-making.

The industrial sector is close to reaching capacity at a time when shipping costs are making domestic production more attractive. This leaves the door open for manufacturers to shift energy use patterns toward efficiency when they make future capacity investments, according to a new report from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Texas Manufacturer's Outlook Survey (09/09/2008)
Texas manufacturing activity remained soft in July, according to the 104 business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. Several indicators for current conditions improved but remained weak. Although positive, most measures of activity six months from now declined slightly from June levels.

Texas Computer Recycling Program Boots Up (09/03/2008)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has opened a new statewide program website for recycling computer equipment, giving Texans a simple way to find the recycling options their computer manufacturers offer.

"The goal of the program is to give Texans an easy way to recycle the used computer equipment they have been storing in their closets and garages for years," said TCEQ Executive Director Mark Vickery. "The most effective way to reduce the environmental impact of computer equipment is to help ensure it is reused or recycled."

The Worst Muda (08/26/2008)
I've just returned from India where I attended the first Lean Summits, in Mumbai and Chennai, organized by the Lean Management Institute of India (www.leaninstitute.in). One of the souvenirs I collect on my visits to different countries is special reasons why lean is impossible in each country. And a number of Indian managers told me what I expected to hear. Some explained that managers there don't have the discipline to create a lean enterprise. Others solemnly told me that a lean logistics system would be quite impossible on India's chaotic and crowded roads. The media -- who everywhere seem to focus on bad news and impossibilities -- seemed to agree. Every interviewer started by asking me how undisciplined Indian managers using chaotic Indian infrastructure could hope to copy Toyota and other lean organizations.

TxDOT and TCEQ's "Drive Clean Across Texas" hybrid giveaway contest ends today (08/17/2008)
The "Drive Clean Across Texas" campaign encourages all Texans to sign up to win a brand-new Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. In light of sky-high gas prices, the benefit of owning a fuel-efficient hybrid is clear, plus driving a low-emission vehicle is one of the best steps drivers can take to reduce air pollution.

LCRA Accepting Pointers on Water Conservation (08/08/2008)
The group in charge of maintaining Central Texas' Highland Lakes and the miles of the Colorado River in this area is taking a survey about better ways to conserve water. The LCRA has held three brainstorming sessions on the issue, including one last night, where several dozen people gave suggestions. "Ground water, conservation, reusing wastewater treating effluent," said Tom Mason, General Manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority. "One group came up with the idea of bringing in water from Mars." Mason says efforts like the ads running on the radio featuring Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson are an added way they're trying to reach people with the message.

Medicine Gears Up for a Code Green Doctors, Hospitals Put Environment On Their Charts (07/30/2008)
Tossing out everything from plastic bandages and cotton swabs to hospital robes after a single use, the U.S. medical industry generates more than 2 million tons of waste per year, environmental advocates say. Some of that waste makes its way to incinerators and, when burned, releases dioxin, mercury and other toxins.

LCRA files to help build wind energy superhighway (07/27/2008)
The Lower Colorado River Authority is partnering with three other power transmission providers on a proposal to build new lines and facilities to bring wind power from West Texas to other parts of the state.

Coffee Grounds Perk Up Compost Pile With Nitrogen (07/24/2008)
Coffee grounds can be an excellent addition to a compost pile. The grounds are relatively rich in nitrogen, providing bacteria the energy they need to turn organic matter into compost.

U.S.-Canada carbon trading group eyes 2012 start (07/24/2008)
A coalition of U.S. states and Canadian provinces that have banded together to cut greenhouse gases will launch their carbon cap and trade system in 2012, according to a draft plan released on Wednesday.

EPA Blog - Open for Comments (07/23/2008)
Have you ever wanted to give the EPA a piece of your mind, or just tell the agency what you think about some environmental topic? Well, now you have the chance to do just that by adding your comments to the EPA blog: Greenversations. Every week, the EPA posts a new question and invites all comers to share their thoughts, and to read what others have to say on the subject.

Harvest the Sun  From Space (07/23/2008)
AS we face $4.50 a gallon gas, we also know that alternative energy sources  coal, oil shale, ethanol, wind and ground-based solar  are either of limited potential, very expensive, require huge energy storage systems or harm the environment. There is, however, one potential future energy source that is environmentally friendly, has essentially unlimited potential and can be cost competitive with any renewable source: space solar power. Science fiction? Actually, no  the technology already exists. A space solar power system would involve building large solar energy collectors in orbit around the Earth. These panels would collect far more energy than land-based units, which are hampered by weather, low angles of the sun in northern climes and, of course, the darkness of night.

The Byproducts of Biodiesel Production Are Valuable Organic Acids, Researchers Say (07/23/2008)
In a move that could possibly change the economics of biodiesel refining, chemical engineers at Rice University have come up with a set of techniques for converting sometimes problematic biofuels waste into chemicals that fetch a profit.

EPA's Collision Repair Campaign: an Air Toxics Initiative for auto body shops (07/20/2008)
At the Collision Repair Campaign (CRC) web site, you will find descriptions of exposures and health effects from chemicals found at collision repair shops; links to information about best practices; and tools for calculating cost savings that accompany reductions in emissions. Please visit the CRC web site for examples of technical support and training provided to date, and an extensive list of resources, including downloadable manuals and videos.

PPRC Job Opening: Executive Director (07/18/2008)
The Board of Directors of the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC at www.pprc.org), a Seattle-based non-profit with a staff of six, seeks a full-time Executive Director.

Value of global carbon trading is already nearly double last year's figure at £30bn (07/18/2008)
The value of carbon traded on the world's markets reached ¬38bn (£30bn) in the first half of this year, almost double the total for the whole of 2007.

Garbage Art: Plastic Bags Come to Life (07/12/2008)
Artist Joshua Allen Harris invites the viewer into a world where life and death cycles in time with the public transport system. TreeHugger meditation for a Saturday afternoon: what do you think about when you watch waste come to life, garbage art imitating nature, the unseen being seen?

One big drug test: Analyzing a city's sewage can put a number on its vices (07/04/2008)
Which city uses more cocaine: Los Angeles or London? Is heroin a big problem in San Diego? And has Ecstasy emerged in rural America? Environmental scientists are beginning to use an unsavory new tool -- raw sewage -- to paint an accurate portrait of drug abuse in communities. Like one big, citywide urinalysis, tests at municipal sewage plants in many areas of the United States and Europe, including Los Angeles County, have detected illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana

University of Texas at Arlington GHG Report (07/02/2008)
The University of Texas at Arlington has released a draft report of its first carbon footprint analysis. The report has been prepared for the Presidents Sustainability Committee by an interdisciplinary student/faculty team through a summer course in the School of Urban and Public Affairs. It characterizes the universitys greenhouse gas emissions in 2005, forecasts emissions in 2010 and 2020, then proposes a framework for setting reduction targets and develops reduction scenarios based on those targets. The report, produced in a very short time frame, is being issued in draft form so that members of the committee and other interested parties can participate in reviewing it. Comments are invited.

Eco-savvy? Take quiz to find out (06/27/2008)
So you think you're pretty savvy about environmental issues? See how you compare to others.

Regulation Changes for Exports to EU (06/25/2008)
If you are exporting products or components anywhere in the 27-member European Union, or if you are supplying someone who is exporting to the EU, you need to be aware of the EUs new REACH regulations. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals. The EU's REACH regulations were promulgated one year ago and their effects will be felt in the business community June 1 to November 30, 2008 during the simplified pre-registration period. The REACH regulations are detailed and complex and cover many products that have long been used safely in the market and might not intuitively be recognized as chemicals. The pre-registration period affords an opportunity for manufacturers to get registered under the new system and to minimize the potential for disruption to your business with Europe.

TCEQ URGES WATER CONSERVATION (06/25/2008)
Hot, dry conditions combined with lower than average rainfall have reduced flows in many of Texas major rivers. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reports these conditions are starting to have a significant impact on the Hill Country and South Texas areas. All temporary-use water rights to state surface water in the Hill Country have been suspended until further notice.

With gas prices soaring, Americans driving less (06/19/2008)
With gas prices holding at record levels above $4 a gallon, Americans are driving less and abandoning gas-guzzling vehicles, according to new government data.

City's Environmental Management System receives national recognition (06/12/2008)
City officials gathered to recognize the City of Dallas' Environmental Management System (EMS) for achieving certification to the International Organization for Standardization's ISO 14001:2004 standards. Dallas is the only city in the nation credited for implementing an EMS for such a broad scale of its operations.

Best Buy testing free e-waste recycling program (06/10/2008)
Under pressure to help dispose some of the electronic waste it helped create, Best Buy Co. is testing a free program that will offer consumers a convenient way to ensure millions of obsolescent TVs, old computers and other unwanted gadgets don't poison the nation's dumps.

G8 to Fight Oil Prices with Efficiency and Technology (06/10/2008)
Faced with record-high oil prices, the world's leading economies and oil consumers Sunday pledged greater investment in energy efficiency and green technologies to control their spiralling thirst for petroleum.

Mark Vickery Named TCEQ Executive Director (06/04/2008)
TCEQ COMMISSIONERS NAME MARK VICKERY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) voted unanimously today to appoint Mark Vickery as the executive director of the agency effective June 17, 2008. Vickery has served as the deputy executive director since May 1, 2004. He succeeds Glenn Shankle who is retiring from state government. Vickery previously served as deputy director for the office of permitting, remediation and registration, as well as for the office of compliance and enforcement.

Blow Hard: Wind to Supply 20% of U.S. Power? (05/15/2008)
The U.S. can follow Denmarks lead and get 20% of its electricity from wind by 2030, the Department of Energy said today. The only obstacles, according to the DOE report, are building the wind turbines, improving them, getting them in place, and getting their electricity to where its used. Piece of cake.

Oh and to meet that goal, every year between 2018 and 2030 the U.S needs to install as much wind power as it has cumulatively installed so far in its history. At least subsidies for wind power aren't a prerequisite, the report says.

15 Texas Plants Recognized for Energy Efficiency Efforts (04/28/2008)
The 15 sites combined saved 1.1 trillion Btus per year from their actions. Twelve sites were classified as "Savers", meaning they saved greater than 7.5 percent of the total energy or 75,000 million Btus; three sites were designated as "Champions", those plants that saved greater than 15 percent of their total energy or 250,000 million Btus.

City of Austin Plans Green District (04/28/2008)
Mellissa Martinez describes the Austin Green District in an interview.

Do Your Part at Work! (04/28/2008)
A full-time working Texan spends about 2,000 hours a year on the job; making the office the perfect place to start improving the environment. Take Care of Texas now has 20 new tips to help you Do Your Part at work. Everyone's first step to Take Care of Texas is to learn ways to make a personal commitment. Explore the office at http://www.takecareoftexas.org/at-work/ for simple steps to help improve air and water quality, conserve water and energy, and save a little money in the process.

City of Austin, Environmental Groups Launch "Central Texas Race to Zero Waste...Or Darn Close!" (04/23/2008)
Austin City Council Member Lee Leffingwell will join a coalition of environmental organizations, elected officials, local celebrities and residents in launching a contest aimed at encouraging Central Texans to find creative ways to reduce their trash.

As part of the "Central Texas Race To Zero Waste...Or Darn Close," local residents will log onto a website and track the ways they're reducing the amount of waste being sent to local landfills. Participants can enter their home, office, house of worship, or other community center.

Aviation first: Plane flies on hydrogen, fuel cells (04/04/2008)
Engineers from across Europe have successfully developed and flown a manned airplane powered by hydrogen and fuel cells  a first in history and a step towards cleaner and more energy-efficient aviation, Boeing announced Thursday.

How Green Is Your Collar? (04/04/2008)
Nearly 1,000 trade unionists, environmentalists, green businesspeople, political leaders and allies came together recently in Pittsburgh to explore these issues at the first annual conference on "Good Jobs, Green Jobs," sponsored by the Blue-Green Alliance of the United Steelworkers Union and the Sierra Club.

Slow Down a Little, Save a Lot of Gas (04/04/2008)
Speeding on the highway adds a surprising amount to your fuel costs. In a typical family sedan, every 10 miles per hour you drive over 60 is like the price of gasoline going up about 54 cents a gallon. Every 10 mph faster also reduces fuel economy by about 4 mpg, a figure that remains fairly constant regardless of vehicle size.

Excavating Companies are Going Green in Denton County (04/01/2008)
Excavating companies in Denton County are going green by upgrading their fleets to cleaner, more efficient diesel engines thanks to the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP). TERP is providing an affordable way for businesses to replace older diesel equipment that they could not otherwise afford to upgrade.

Businesses interested in greening up their fleets still have time to apply for TERP grants. The application deadline is April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance is available at Community Help Desks in Arlington, Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth until April 10 to help last minute applicants with questions. For information visit www.terpgrants.org or for immediate assistance call (800) 919-8377.

Beyond Recycling: Getting to 'Zero Waste' (03/28/2008)
Recycling newspaper and plastic can only go so far toward achieving a "zero-waste" world, recycling activist Eric Lombardi says. The next step, he says, is getting industry and government to work together to make going greener more profitable.

'Green' bandwagon is getting a big push (03/27/2008)
The new group is about to launch the most ambitious U.S. marketing campaign ever on climate change, at a cost of more than $100 million a year for three years, to focus on the urgency of the problem and solutions.

Dallas Love Field pledges to cut more pollution (03/24/2008)
After cutting 4,000 pounds of harmful chemicals at its airport, Dallas Love Field is pledging to reduce 1,000 more as part of a national program run by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The airport plans to reduce 1,000 pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, as part of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) program. In addition, it is pledging to cut 50 pounds of mercury from light bulbs, thermometers, thermostats and other equipment under the NPEP Mercury Challenge campaign.

EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the City of Albuquerque (03/24/2008)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $113,322 to the City of Albuquerque. This grant will fund the city's 2008 continuing air pollution prevention and control program. The city expects to maintain national ambient air quality standards and reduce air toxics emissions.

Workshop offers free help on going green (02/27/2008)
Business owners looking to incorporate environmental management into their business plans can obtain some guidance at a free workshop hosted by the New Mexico Environment Department.

The NMED's Pollution Prevention Program will host a Green Zia application writing workshop on March 18 at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

To learn more and/or reserve a seat call Michelle Vattano of the NMED at (505) 827-0677.

Dallas launches comprehensive environmental issues Web site (02/18/2008)
Regional Administrator Richard Greene joined Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert to officially launch www.GreenDallas.net, a new Web site dedicated exclusively to green initiatives. Visitors to the site will find tips on how to save energy and water; recycle; clean the air; and have a green home and lawn. The site has information about air quality, water, energy, land use and green buildings. Officials are encouraging Dallas residents to make a commitment to go green and play an active role in building a greener City.

Nine Cities, Nine Ideas (02/12/2008)
Ann Arbor, Mich., and Beijing, China, have precious little in common. But the modest college town and sprawling national capital do share one trait: They're part of a world-wide movement by cities to rein in their runaway energy use.

Dentists filtering out mercury (02/11/2008)
Dentists throughout Wisconsin are being told they must end routine flushing of mercury to sewage treatment plants, where the toxic metal is released to the environment. Dentist Dennis W. Engel looks over the separator in the basement of his Mequon office that keeps tooth-filling material containing mercury out of the wastewater treatment system.

EPA Awards Over $50,000 to the University of Texas at Arlington (02/05/2008)
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $58,420 to the University of Texas at Arlington through the Southwest Network for Zero Waste. Funds from this grant will be used to develop a database tool for the pretreatment industry to search for pollution prevention opportunities for their plants. The project goals are to aid in compliance with regulatory requirements and to show operators how to go beyond compliance using pollution prevention.

Dallas and Houston make EPA list of top green power purchasers (02/01/2008)
Wind power has propelled the cities of Dallas and Houston onto EPA's national list of top green power purchasers.

"Texas leads the nation in wind power production, and Dallas and Houston are leading the way in showing other cities how green power can help protect the environment," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard Greene.

EPA Awards Over $50,000 to A Nurtured World Incorporated (01/30/2008)
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $53,300 to A Nurtured World Incorporated. The funds will be used to target significant environmental issues in the City of Dallas, including air pollution, water supply and water quality. Nurtured World will work with citizens, businesses and organizations to learn about their environmental impacts and identify ways to address them, and conduct site visit training for pollution prevention providers.

Recycling Alliance of Texas begins Executive Search (01/28/2008)
The Board of Directors of the Recycling Alliance of Texas would like to officially announce the search for an Executive Director who will lead the organization into the future building a strong, resource oriented member organization. A job description is available online click here Qualified candidates should submit a resume with three references to Greta Calvery, Board Secretary via email at GCalvery@wm.com before January 31, 2008.

Energy Savings at POTW's (01/22/2008)
Massachusetts' cities and towns spend approximately $150 million per year in electrical costs to treat 662 billion gallons of wastewater and drinking water. In Massachusetts, about 35-40 percent of a treatment plant's operating budget involves the purchase of energy to treat drinking water or wastewater. If the targeted energy reductions of this pilot are achieved and expanded throughout the entire municipal wastewater and water utility sector, the result would be a total annual reduction of approximately 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), 760,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide (SO2), and 250,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Texas Clean School Bus Program a Success (01/22/2008)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced today that response to the Texas Clean School Bus Program has been a resounding success. In less than three months, all of the grant money allocated for this fiscal year has been reserved by 39 Texas school districts. This money will be used by the districts to retrofit approximately 2,000 aging school buses with pollution-reduction devices. Engine retrofits can reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent.

Workshop - cutting oilfield pollution to boost profits (01/21/2008)
Oil and gas producers are familiar with oil spills. Now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hopes to teach them about air spills.
"A lot of people don't realize those VOCs (volatile organic compounds) -- primarily methane -- coming off those tanks or compressor stations are stable compounds and remain in the air nine to 15 years, so they do affect the Midland-Odessa air shed," said Jeff Voorhis, environmental management systems auditor with the commission.

TCEQ expands tax breaks companies with pollution control equipment (01/19/2008)
Companies will be able to seek a special tax break for portions of existing plants that have not previously qualified for the pollution control equipment abatement under rules finalized Wednesday by state environmental regulators.

Grants to Prevent Air Pollution from Heavy-Duty Vehicles (01/18/2008)
The TCEQ's Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) Program will soon kick off a new round of grants and rebates to upgrade or replace older heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, which can reduce harmful emissions.

TERP funds are available to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, school districts, and government agencies that own and operate heavy-duty vehicles or equipment in eligible areas: Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler-Longview, Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Austin, and San Antonio.

Look for Clean Taxis in Texas (01/18/2008)
Many taxi companies are looking at ways to make their fleets more fuel efficient and hybridelectric vehicles are one option. By choosing hybrids, taxi companies can help contribute to clean air in the cities they serve and spend less money on fuel.

To help make hybrid taxis a reality for more Texas cities, the TCEQ's Green & Go Clean Taxi Partnership promotes their use in the state's larger cities. The TCEQ is working with local governments and other stakeholders to provide outreach and technical assistance to taxi companies and operators looking to improve fleet efficiency.

China bans free plastic bags (01/15/2008)
China is banning free plastic bags common at shops and supermarkets and ordering customers to be charged for any they use.

The rules, which take effect June 1, come as the country tries to tackle a significant source of pollution.

The Chinese use up to 3 billion plastic shopping bags a day. Often, the flimsy bags are used once and discarded, adding to waste in a country grappling with air and water pollution as a result of rapid economic transformation, officials said.

Austin one step closer to zero waste (01/10/2008)
Landfills, recycling drop-offs, and garbage collections -- these are just a few things consultants will research to make Austin waste-free by the year 2040.

"Zero waste means to stop the flow of waste coming at communities by designing waste out of the system and incentivizing new programs," Zero Waste consultant Gary Liss said.

City hopes to cut landfill waste to nothing
Plan being drafted sets goal of reducing, reusing, recycling and composting all trash by 2040. (01/08/2008)
The City of Austin has launched an effort to try to dramatically reduce garbage and boost reuse and recycling within a generation.

The city is in the process of writing a zero-waste plan: a long-term strategy to reduce to zero the amount of garbage sent to landfills by reusing, recycling and composting materials instead.

Several cities, such as Seattle and San Francisco, and countries now have or are writing zero-waste plans. This will be Austin's first long-term solid waste plan since 1992.

Zero-waste plans tend to take a holistic view of trash reduction, focusing not just on recycling but on ways to prevent garbage from getting to landfills in the first place.

UK Commission Issues Roadmapping Guide to Sustainable Products (01/08/2008)
The UK's Commission on Sustainable Development has issued a 20-page primer outlining the opportunities for business and government in taking a products-focused approach to sustainability. The approach centers on a twelve-point checklist for business wishing to develop new products or assess existing ones. Product Roadmaps for Sustainability are intended to help society visualize how it wants products to evolve and how to support progress towards that goal. The guide further provides a tool called "Choice-editing" which is about eliminating the option to buy inferior quality products or components with a poor social or environmental record.

OSHA Announces New OTI Education Centers
New Centers Extend Safety and Health Training Opportunities Throughout U.S (01/07/2008)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced 8 new OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers and two renewals. Current OTI Education Centers offer training courses on OSHA standards and occupational safety and health issues. The additional OTI Education Centers, made up of non-profit organizations, will further increase OSHA's reach throughout the country to provide safety and health training.

The University of Texas at Arlington - Houston was selected as the Region VI OSHA center.

The new centers were selected through a national competition announced last July. Applicant organizations were evaluated based on occupational safety and health experience, continuing education training background, classroom and laboratory availability, and the ability to provide training throughout the region.

TOP

2007

Green funerals (12/30/2007)
Cynthia Beal wants to be an Oregon cherry tree after she dies. She has everything to make it happen -- a body, a burial site and a biodegradable coffin.

Austin Clean Tech Hub Expands: HelioVolt To Build Thin-Film Solar Factory (12/21/2007)
Austin, Texas will be the site of the first manufacturing facility for HelioVolt Corporation, a producer of thin film solar energy products. The site was announced this morning. HelioVolt is headquartered in Austin, home to several clean-tech companies.

Grants Available to Help Marinas Reduce Water Pollution (12/20/2007)
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality announced that federal funds are available to marina owners in Oklahoma to reduce potential water pollution resulting from inadequate handling of on board wastewater holding tanks.

Clean Vessel Act grant funds are available on a competitive basis to both the public and private sector, including all local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities that serve the general public. The grant reimburses recipients for up to 75 percent of the installed cost of pumpout and dump stations.

Grant applications must be received by December 26, 2007. To request a Clean Vessel Act application package, contact Robert Huber with DEQ at (405) 702-6100, email Robert.Huber@deq.state.ok.us or write to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Clean Vessel Act Grant Program, 707 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118.

New Mexico Environment Department Helps New Mexico Businesses Reduce Environmental Impacts While Saving Money (12/20/2007)
(Santa Fe, N.M.) New Mexico Environment Department's Pollution Prevention Program offers free waste assessments to business owners around the state who are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint while at the same time saving money.

Those assessments can help businesses identify ways to conserve energy and water or create efficiency in their operations.

NMED's Pollution Prevention Program staff helped one business reduce its solid waste and disposal costs by 78 percent by suggesting that the business reuse its packaging. Staff also helped other businesses implement recycling plans that reduced garbage disposal costs and institute water conservation methods by installing drought resistant landscaping and mopping floors less frequently.

Program staff - along with other participants in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Pollution Prevention Roundtable in Albuquerque - recently conducted a waste assessment for the Acoma Sky City Casino Hotel. Hotel managers agreed to the waste assessment after members of the roundtable expressed their interest in conducting the assessment.

TCEQ Seeking Nominations for Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee Members (12/20/2007)
Are You Interested in Serving on the Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality seeks nominations to fill several positions on the Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee. The legislatively created advisory committee advises the commission on the state's policy and goals for pollution prevention and waste minimization.

The committee is composed of nine voting members who offer a balanced representation of environmental and public interest groups and the regulated community.

If you are interested in being considered by the commission to serve on this committee, or if you would like more information, visit www.tceq.state.tx.us/assistance/P2Recycle/ ppac/PollutionPreventionAdvisoryCommittee.html#contact.

You may also call Karley Eaves, Small Business and Environmental Assistance, at 512-239-0989 with questions about the Pollution Prevention Advisory Committee and the current nominations process.

Bush signs energy bill (12/19/2007)
President Bush on Wednesday signed into law an energy bill that will see an increase in the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks for the first time since 1975, boost production of ethanol and cut energy use in light bulbs and appliances.

The key component of the legislation requires the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks to be increased by 40% to an average 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

The bill will also raise yearly output of renewable motor fuels such as ethanol five-fold to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

The legislation also aims to improve the energy efficiency of lighting by about 30 % by phasing out traditional incandescent light bulbs between 2012 and 2014. Replacing them will be energy-efficient fluorescent and halogen bulbs that last 10 times longer and whose advocates claim pay for themselves within a year from the savings in electrical costs. The switchover to the more energy efficient bulbs is expected to save consumers about $13 billion a year by 2020.

2007 Top Energy-Saving Plants Announced
DOE Now Accepting Applications For 2008 Save Energy Now Assessments (12/14/2007)
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is recognizing more than 170 U.S. manufacturers for participating in and implementing recommendations from Save Energy Now. Over 700 plants applied for and received assessments.

Industrial plants across the U.S. are improving energy efficiency and increasing productivity by participating in energy assessments offered through the Save Energy Now initiative.

Companies are being honored with 2007 Energy Champion Plant Recognition and Energy Saver Plant Recognition.

The DOE is now accepting online applications for the 2008 Save Energy Now energy assessments. DOE will make initial selections of applications for assessments starting in mid-September, 2007. Additional selections will be announced periodically until the target of 250 assessments is reached for the calendar year 2008.

Chemical Industry Awaits New Plant Site Security Rules (12/14/2007)
The chemical industry takes seriously the issue of maintaining an appropriate level of plant site security. Members of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) alone have invested more than $3.5 billion enhancing security at their facilities throughout the US. Trade associations such as the ACC, Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) have developed various security management practices for their members to implement and maintain security programs, with implementation often necessary for continued membership. As much as 90% of industry companies have security programs in place at this time.

The legislation passed by Congress grants DHS the authority to establish national performance standards for chemical plant site security and to visit U.S. chemical facilities to evaluate security systems and require corrective actions where appropriate. The department will also have the authority to shut down chemical plants that fail to comply with these standards. DHS must within six months issue an interim final rule establishing risk-based performance standards for security at chemical facilities. Vulnerability assessments and the development and implementation of site security plans must be included in the regulations. DHS will have this authority for three years.

Industry associations and companies potentially affected by the new regulations currently await expectantly the issuance by DHS of an advance notice of an interim final rule, which will be the first step in the rulemaking process. The notice is expected some time in December. The department must issue interim final regulations by April 4, 2007.

Energy Quick Start Website Launched (12/14/2007)
Visit the new Energy Quick Start Web site at www.energyquickstart.org. The site provides industry with a variety of resources to help manage energy costs and identify savings opportunities. Created by the Superior Energy Performance initiative, a collaboration of industry and government organizations, the web site provides technical documents, software tools, training, case studies, listings of experts, and calculators. It also includes guidance and tools to help manufacturers in developing an energy management plan, which is vital for sustained efficiency improvements.

In Eco-Friendly Factory, Low-Guilt Potato Chips (12/13/2007)
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. - Frito-Lay is embarking on an ambitious plan to change the way their factory operates, and in the process, create a new type of snack: the environmentally benign chip.

Its goal is to take the Casa Grande plant off the power grid, or nearly so, and run it almost entirely on renewable fuels and recycled water. Net zero, as the concept is called, has the backing of the highest levels of corporate executives at PepsiCo, the parent company of Frito-Lay.

There are benefits besides the potential energy savings. Like many other large corporations, PepsiCo is striving to establish its green credentials as consumers become more focused on climate change. There are marketing opportunities, too. The company, for example, intends to advertise that its popular SunChips snacks are made using solar energy.

From coast to coast, more companies are thinking about how much fossil fuel they use and ways to conserve energy. Venture capital money is also pouring into fledgling green technology.

Every Drop Counts: EPA Recognizes Water Efficiency Leaders (12/12/2007)
EPA is recognizing six winners of the 2007 Water Efficiency Leader(WEL) awards for their efforts in reducing, reusing and recycling water. Winners were chosen by a panel of national water experts and based on three criteria: leadership, innovation and water saved.

The WEL Awards help foster a nationwide ethic of water efficiency, which is critical to the growing U.S. economy and quality of life. Due to demographic shifts, increased demand, and aging water infrastructure, there is a national need for more efficient use of our water resources. EPA recognizes this need and has developed the WEL Awards in addition to other initiatives such as a product labeling under the WaterSense program and a national organization to foster water efficiency.

The Winners of the 2007 WEL Awards are:

Intel Corp., Ocotillo Campus (Chandler, Ariz.)
Frito-Lay (Plano, TX)
Lackland Air Force Base (Lackland, TX)
Santa Clara Valley Water District (San Jose, Calif.)
The Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center (KPPC)
Allan Dietemann, Seattle Public Utilities (Seattle, Wash.)

Proposals Requested for DOE Solar America Cities 2008 (12/11/2007)
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to form strategic partnerships with U.S. cities as part of the Solar America Initiative (SAI). These Federal-city partnerships are intended to accelerate the adoption of solar technology across the nation by engaging city governments as significant users of electricity, key intermediaries to other end users within their jurisdiction, and regulatory entities.

Read a Labels Signal Words - How To (12/01/2007)
In most ways there are few government safeguards in place for us regarding the safety of commercial cleaning products, but signal words and "warning words" on product labels are one notable exception. They are placed there by order of the federal government and are primarily for helping you protect your familys health.

TCEQ grants will reduce school bus unhealthy emissions (11/30/2007)
Anyone ever in the vicinity of an idling school bus has probably been blasted by a dose of unhealthy emissions. Aware of the effects these emissions have on the general public, and particularly students, the legislature last session mandated the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality take steps to alleviate the problem, providing $7.5 million to accomplish the mission.

Quick Tips for Mistake Proofing (11/26/2007)
Have you ever heard of Poka-Yoke? Its a Japanese word for fool-proofing or mistake-proofing. It can make a dramatic difference in reducing costly variation in your organization. As human beings, our attention span is limited. That is true for CEOs and supervisors, as much as it is for frontline factory workers. The idea of Poka-Yoke is to respect the intelligence of the employee. By taking over repetitive tasks or actions that depend on vigilance or memory, Poka-Yoke can free a workers time and mind to pursue more creative and value-adding activities.

Ford CEO Says He's Green (11/15/2007)
Lana Pollack, executive director of the Michigan Environmental Council, likes William Clay Ford Jr. so much that she says she did a little jig on the sidewalk in front of the Ford Motor Co. headquarters after they met to exchange views.

"He's a real mensch," said Pollack, a former state legislator from Ann Arbor. "He not only cares a great deal about the environment but he's very knowledgeable. This is not a fashion statement with him. It's a reflection of his deepest values. So I expect good things from him. I wish him well."

Lovins described Ford as "head of the pack" among auto executives and "one of the top half-dozen corporate leaders in the country who want to make their companies green both ways," doing well by the environment while earning money.

Job Announcement: P2 Specialist (11/15/2007)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is seeking a Pollution Prevention Technical Specialist to support the Waste Reduction Policy Act program.

Saving the green, both ways (11/15/2007)
Jim and Tatiana Grabinsky of Walden planned to go solar right from the start, working the solar array into their new Walden home plans and financing. Jim, an insurance field agent, spends a lot of time sitting in traffic, thinking about global warming.

Gov. Perry Appoints Shaw to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (11/11/2007)
Gov. Rick Perry today appointed Dr. Bryan W. Shaw of Bryan to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for a term to expire Aug. 31, 2013. The commission establishes, oversees and implements clean air, clean water and other environmental policies for the State of Texas.

Bryan Shaw is a nationally respected scientist with the experience and expertise to oversee our states environmental policies, Perry said. Under his leadership Texas will continue developing policies and making decisions based on solid science that protect our natural resources while helping to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing state.

Shaw is an associate professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department of Texas A&M University (TAMU) with many of his courses focused on air pollution engineering. The majority of his research at TAMU concentrates on air pollution, air pollution abatement, dispersion model development and emission factor development. Shaw is associate director of the Center for Agricultural Air Quality Engineering and Science, and formerly served as Acting Lead Scientist for Air Quality and Special Assistant to the Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Shaw is a member of several committees for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board including the Environmental Engineering Committee, Committee on Integrated Nitrogen, and Ad Hoc Panel for review of EPAs Risk and Technology Review Assessment Plan. Additionally, he is a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Air Quality Task Force.

He received a bachelors and masters degree in agricultural engineering from TAMU and a doctorate degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He replaces Kathleen White of Valentine whose term expired.

NBC's 'Green Week': Not Media Business as Usual (11/10/2007)
"Green Week" at NBC Universal, a seven-day revelry of environment-themed content spread across the company's various TV channels and other properties. The 150 hours of programming - integrated into everything from news and sports to soaps and entertainment - is certainly a first for a major media company.

Report: Green Practices Taking Root at College Campuses (11/05/2007)
Colleges across the United States and Canada are stepping up green practices and policies, with more than two out of three schools improving performance over the last year, according to the new College Sustainability Report Card 2008 released on Oct. 24. While schools are earning higher marks for green initiatives in campus operations, a majority of the wealthiest institutions continue to lag in applying sustainability practices to their endowment investments. The categories with the lowest overall grades were shareholder engagement with 66 percent "Fs" and endowment transparency with 58 percent "Fs." In contrast, failing grades averaged only 10 percent across the five campus categories of administration, climate change & energy, food & recycling, green building and transportation.

$1 trillion green market seen by 2030 (10/30/2007)
Global sales from clean energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal power and biofuels could grow to as much as $1 trillion a year by 2030, U.S. bank Morgan Stanley has estimated. Global population growth and soaring prices for fossil fuels are driving the market, along with dropping costs in clean energy and concern about energy security and climate change, the bank said in a research note issued on Wednesday.

Google Transit Now in Google Maps (10/26/2007)
oogle Operating System reports Google Transit data can now be found in Google Maps for select cities. If you plot driving directions between Norwalk, California and Orange County, California, you should see an option on the left for "Directions: Drive There - Take Public Transit." Clicking on "Take Public Transit" will plot Google Transit data within maps.

White Collar, Blue Collar& Green Collar? (10/22/2007)
We are all quite familiar with the colorful distinction of the different employment sectors. White collar employment includes salaried professionals and clerical workers. Blue collar employment involves manual labor. Now a third sector is emerging and is growing in both popularity and support: the green collar workers.

Texas Environmental Award Application Deadline Extended (10/10/2007)
By popular request, the 2008 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards (TEEA) has extended its application deadline to October 26, 2007. If youve been doing great things for the environment, dont miss your chance for well-deserved recognition. The application process is free, easy, and online. Presented annually by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards spotlight the state's highest achievements in environmental preservation and protection.

Learn about the benefits of winning at www.teea.org. View videos of last years winners, review the criteria, and then submit an online application.

Gary Miller named NPPR Chair (10/05/2007)
Gary Miller, Assistant Director of the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center, has been selected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable. The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) is the largest membership organization in the United States devoted solely to Pollution Prevention (P2). The Roundtable provides a national forum for promoting the development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to avoid, eliminate, or reduce pollution at the source. NPPR's members are comprised of the country's preeminent P2 experts from regional resource centers, state and local government programs, small business assistance networks, non-profit groups, industry associations and federal agencies.

Moscone Convention Center Plans Zero Waste, Biodegradable Catering (10/04/2007)
The Moscone Center, one of the busiest convention, trade and meeting facilities in the country, aims to produce zero waste food and beverage events and lead the industry in environmentally friendly practices, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday. SMG, the company that partners with the City and County of San Francisco to run the Moscone Center, said it replaced all disposable food and beverage products with biodegradable items.

Workhop suggests waste reduction plans (09/28/2007)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hosted the workshop to educate environmental, health and safety managers, plant managers and production personnel on strategies for decreasing wastes in their pollution prevention, or P2 plan, according to a commission press release. A pollution prevention plan required under the Waste Reduction Policy Act applies to facilities that generate small or large quantities of hazardous waste, according to the release.

As landfill grows, so does controversy (09/15/2007)
In a rural part of Hutto, Texas, early in the morning, dew covers the grass surrounding a landfill. All is quiet. Many people drive past the site without as much as a second glance. But hidden behind the landfills seemingly innocuous appearance, much like the waste it hides, is a controversy that has grown with the landfill the past four years. Williamson County has owned the Williamson County Landfill since its creation in 1981. Located in Hutto on Hwy. 1660, between Hwy. 29 and Hwy. 79, the landfill occupies 202 acres and is permitted a maximum height of 70 feet.

2008 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards Nominations Open (09/14/2007)
Each year for the last 15 years, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has recognized exceptional projects leading the way in waste reduction, pollution prevention, and natural resource conservation.

EPA gives NPDES inspection credentials to New Mexico Environment Department (09/11/2007)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued credentials to the New Mexico Environment Department to perform inspections on its behalf. The credentials are for inspections done under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program. The program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.

Asarco begins $200,000 cleanup in southern New Mexico (08/19/2007)
Asarco Inc. has begun cleaning up soil contaminated with lead and arsenic on several properties in Anapra, near El Paso, Texas. The work is under the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which agreed to do the work at the request of the New Mexico Environment Department.

Green Jobs Act passed in House (08/08/2007)
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would help prepare workers for jobs in "green industries." The House approved the Green Jobs Act of 2007, House Resolution 2847, which would authorize as much as $125 million in funding to establish national and state job training programs, administered by the U.S. Labor Department. The program would train workers about designing and constructing energy efficient buildings, renewable electric power, energy efficient vehicles and biofuels development.

TCEQ helicopters hovering over oil, gas equipment (08/08/2007)
Beginning the second week in August, residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may notice a white helicopter hovering over pipelines, oil and gas production facilities, and other industrial facilities. The whirly-birds are part of a study being conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Each aircraft is equipped with a specialized infrared camera called the HAWK that can image volatile organic compound emissions invisible to the eye.

Pollution Prevention Workshops in Texas (08/02/2007)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will be conducting a series of pollution prevention workshops throughout the state. These workshops have helped facilities save money, lower their regulatory burden and increase efficiency.

  • Austin - September 26-27 University of Texas, Thompson Conference Center
  • Houston - October 18-19 Hilton University of Houston
  • Fort Worth - November 1-2 University of Texas at Arlington, Automation & Robotics Research Institute
  • Beaumont - November 15-16

Photos, video of explosions at Dallas gas facility (07/26/2007)
Justin Randall began to wonder if he had picked the wrong day to drive his convertible through downtown Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, as debris rained down from an explosion at a facility that sells acetylene gas.

EPA reports on Oklahoma water sampling (07/19/2007)
Water samples collected by the Environmental Protection Agency after oily floodwaters inundated areas of Oklahoma earlier this month showed no adverse levels of hazardous chemicals. Working with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), EPA collected water samples on July 5, 2007, at three locations along the Verdigris River and at three locations in Lake Oologah. The sampling locations targeted drinking water intake locations. These water samples were tested for organic chemicals, pesticides, PCBs, metals and bacterial contaminants.

Solar Power Could Bring 123,000 Jobs to Texas by 2020 (07/11/2007)
Development of the solar energy industry in Texas would have a significant economic impact for consumers, the environment and workers, according to a new white paper released by the IC2 Institute at The University of Texas at Austin.

U.S., Mexican, Canadian Environmental Leaders Promote Green Building and Pollution Tracking Tool for Citizens (07/08/2007)
Highlighting their shared commitment to environmental progress in North America, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today joined his Mexican and Canadian counterparts to launch new collaborative environmental initiatives on green building and tracking pollution in North America.

EPA's New Go Green! Newsletter Helps Consumers Make a Difference (07/03/2007)
America is shifting to a "green culture" in which all 300 million citizens are embracing the fact that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. As a step in that direction, citizen environmental partners can sign up to receive EPA's new consumer newsletter, Go Green!. EPA is launching this monthly, email newsletter to provide "what you can do" information on activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference just about anywhere - in homes, workplaces, schools and communities.

New ADEQ headquarters decked out with environmental features (07/03/2007)
Officials hope there's no doubt the new $23 million headquarters of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is friendly to the environment. Nicknamed the "Riverside Palace" by some employees, the department's new headquarters in North Little Rock is partially made of recycled materials, has solar heating for water and recyclable carpet, among other features.

Top 10 Ways to Improve Process Heating and Steam Systems (07/03/2007)
In 2006 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) conducted 200 expert Energy Savings Assessments (ESAs) of U.S. industrial steam and process heating systems. The ESAs were conducted at energy-intensive plants in such industries as aerospace, aluminum, chemicals, electronics, food processing, forest products, glass, metal casting, and steel. In each assessment, professionally trained ESA Energy Experts using DOE Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) software tools worked with in-plant staff to evaluate the plant's process heating or steam system and identify opportunities for savings. Potential annual energy cost savings for those 200 assessments totaled approximately $485 million. Implementing the energy-saving improvements recommended in the ESAs could trim the participating plants' yearly energy costs by an average of 7%. DOE has compiled tip sheets on the 10 most frequent ESA recommendations for improving process heating and steam systems.

Committee To Draft Drug Disposal Plan (07/02/2007)
BENTONVILLE -- An advisory committee charged with preventing drugs from being flushed down toilets and ending up in groundwater will draft a plan that lets Circle of Life hospice take back unused medication, committee co-chairman Jim Johnson said Thursday.

How safe is what's in this can? (07/02/2007)
How much is too much? Researchers continue to battle over the risks and benefits of tuna.

TCEQ to give out $4M in grants (06/24/2007)
Texas' top environmental regulatory agency said Friday it has $4 million in grant money to retrofit or replace rich-burn compressor engines -- most commonly used in the oil industry -- to reduce emissions of smog-producing nitrogen oxides.

Texas ranches war over wind turbines (06/23/2007)
After a century and a half as cordial neighbors, two of the nations biggest ranches find themselves feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys over wind energy and wildlife and whether the two can coexist.

Senate passes pro-renewables energy bill (06/22/2007)
The Senate passed an energy bill late Thursday that includes an increase in automobile fuel economy, new laws against energy price-gouging and a requirement for huge increases in the production of ethanol.

Search for water gets harder in Southwest (06/21/2007)
Like many towns in this part of the arid U.S. Southwest, Flagstaff faces a never-ending challenge in its search for water, and it is getting harder.

Is Bottled Water Better? (06/19/2007)
Bottled water manufacturers marketing campaigns capitalize on isolated instances of contaminated public drinking water supplies by encouraging the perception that their products are purer and safer than tap water. But the reality is that tap water is actually held to more stringent quality standards than bottled water, and some brands of bottled water are just tap water in disguise. Whats more, our increasing consumption of bottled watermore than 22 gallons per U.S. citizen in 2004 according to the Earth Policy Institutefuels an unsustainable industry that takes a heavy toll on the environment

Staples starts nationwide office technology recycling program (06/18/2007)
Staples, Inc., the world's largest office products company, has started a program making it easy to recycle used computers and other office technology at any Staples store nationwide. The company says it is the first national retailer to offer computer recycling in stores every day.

TCEQ approves permit for TXU coal plant (06/16/2007)
Environmental regulators today gave TXU Corporation the go-ahead to build a coal-fired power plant in Central Texas. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality overruled two arbitrators who questioned the utility's claim that the Oak Grove plant won't make area pollution worse.

NMED holds meetings, accepts public comment (06/13/2007)
The New Mexico Environment Department's Surface Water Quality Bureau is accepting public comment on a draft document dealing with the Rio Puerco and Rio San Jose watersheds near Cuba and Grants. The document deals with the proposed "total maximum daily load," a plan that establishes goals to meet water quality standards in bodies of water where pollutant limits are exceeded.

TEACHERS SOUGHT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE INSTITUTE PROGRAM (06/06/2007)
Lamar University's 12th annual Teaching Environmental Science Institute (TESI) will be held June 18-29 and scholarships are still available for the 10- day summer experience for K-12 in-service teachers. Only 20 spaces are available, so teachers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Coal plant opponents win one battle, lose another (05/23/2007)
Opponents of coal-fired power plants in Central Texas this week won a state legislative battle but lost a federal court fight. U.S. District Judge Walter S. Smith Jr., of Waco, on Monday threw out a federal Clean Air Act lawsuit against Oak Grove, a lignite-burning power plant TXU has proposed for Robertson County. Smith said his court had no jurisdiction over the matter because the state has not yet issued the plants air permit. But environmental groups were cheering legislation the Texas Senate passed Tuesday that would affect the permitting process for power plants. It would require state regulators to consider the cumulative pollution impact of all existing and pending power plants within 124 miles before issuing an air permit for a new one.

Contamination of Rio Grande grew after Cerro Grande (05/22/2007)
Effects from the Cerro Grande Fire of May 2000 have increased the discharge of radioactive contaminants into the Rio Grande, according to a study released Friday by the state's Environment Department. In an announcement, Environment Secretary Ron Curry said the report was a call for action.

Austin Utilities Number 1 in Green Power (05/13/2007)
Which utilities are having the greatest success with their green power programs? The Department of Energy has compiled extensive data on utility green power programs and produced the following "Top Ten" lists of program characteristics and results: total sales of renewable energy to program participants; total number of customer participants; customer participation rates; and the lowest premium charged to support new renewables development.

US Wind Industry to Add 3000 MW in 2007 (05/11/2007)
The United States will boost its wind power capacity this year by about 25 percent, an industry group said on Thursday.

More than 3,000 megawatts of wind power turbines will be added in the United States -- enough to power about 825,000 households, the American Wind Power Association said. At the end of 2006, there were about 11,600 megawatts of US wind power, which was a 20 percent increase from 2005, the AWEA said.

Breakthrough Agreement Announced with Appliance Industry on Efficiency (05/10/2007)
Major home appliance manufacturers, their trade organization, and a nationwide coalition of energy and water efficiency supporters announced an historic agreement today that will establish new mandatory federal energy and water efficiency standards, recommendations for new ENERGY STAR levels, and manufacturer tax credits for the production of super-efficient clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers.

New EPA Web Site Makes It Easier To Be Good Environmental Stewards (05/10/2007)
The new EPA Web site on stewardship programs, launched today, can help business, government and private citizens make intelligent choices on sustainable environmental benefits. Simple everyday decisions by organizations and individuals on such issues as recycling, reuse or choice of fuel support pollution prevention and environmental stewardship.

Researchers Find New Pharmaceuticals in Texas Waters (05/05/2007)
Baylor University researchers announced on May 1 they have found the residue of three new human medications in fish living in the Pecan Creek in North Texas. The pharmaceuticals, which have not been previously identified in fish, are: diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine also commonly used as a sedative in nonprescription sleep aids and motion sickness; diltiazem, a drug for high blood pressure; and carbamazepine, a treatment for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Residue of norfluoxetine, the active metabolite of the antidepressant fluoxetine, also was detected in this study, confirming results of a previous project by the researchers.

Tribal Needs Survey (05/05/2007)
The NPPR Tribal Workgroup consists of environmental professionals from tribal entities, local, state and federal agencies, academia, and not-for-profit organizations whose mission is to work collaboratively with tribes throughout the United States in reducing the environmental and health risks associated with the generation of waste in or on tribal lands. A geographically dispersed team, the group meets monthly via conference call. The Workgroups primary project to date has been to launch the Tribal Pollution Prevention Web Portal (www.tribalp2.org). We need your help to discern whether the web portal is meeting needs as we envisioned, and what other projects the Workgroup should consider to support tribal programming for pollution prevention (P2).

TCEQ Launches Take Care of Texas Campaign (05/04/2007)
Something as simple as turning off the lights when they're not in use can help reduce a household's impact on the environment. That's the message highlighted in Take Care of Texas, a new campaign launched by the TCEQ. The campaign provides important information to Texans about simple steps they can take in each area of their home to reduce their impact on the environment. Each of those steps will be highlighted in the Take Care of Texas Green Dream Home at this year's Environmental Trade Fair at the Austin Convention Center starting May 1.

2007 Texas Environmental Excellence Award Winners (05/03/2007)
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recognized 12 projects across the state with Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, the state's highest environmental achievement. These awards honor individuals, businesses, and organizations with successful programs that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution. TCEQ commissioners presented the awards at the annual banquet on Wednesday May 2, 2007, at the Austin Convention Center as part of the TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair and Conference. The winners are:

  • Agriculture - Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, El Paso
  • Civic/Nonprofit - Keep El Paso Beautiful
  • Education - Victoria Independent School District
  • Government - San Antonio River Basin Monitoring Network Partnership
  • Individual - Mr. Rick Norwood, Fort Hood
  • Individual - Ms. Sarah Metzger, Pasadena
  • Innovative Technology - Leak Survey, Inc., Early
  • Large Business/Nontechnical - Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions, Inc., Garland
  • Large Business/Technical - 3M Company, Brownwood
  • Small Business - Dan Fette Builders, Inc., Denton
  • Youth - Gulf of Mexico Foundation, Science & Spanish Club Network

434 water, sewer improvements for Angel Fire (04/27/2007)
Water issues flooded the Angel Fire Village Council agenda for the Wednesday, April 18, meeting. Of precedence is the water and sewer lines soon to be installed along N.M. 434 from village hall to the blinking light at the U.S. 64 intersection  not necessarily due to importance, but because of the 10 years the project has taken to get this far.

EPA's Earth Day Backgrounder (04/23/2007)
Earth Day, April 22, 2007, is an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. There are a number of simple everyday choices that people can make to help protect the environment.

Earth Day 2007: Take Three for Texas (04/18/2007)
The TCEQ encourages all Texans to participate in Earth Day on April 22, 2007, by taking three for Texas! That is, take three free publications to help you reduce waste, conserve energy, and preserve our natural resources.

Landfill Trash Heap Would Block Doppler Radar (04/15/2007)
The safety of everyone in the Houston and Galveston region will be at risk if Blue Ridge Landfill expands, because the giant pile of refuse would block Doppler radar signals and prevent hurricane detection, three Houston TV stations claim.

The countdown begins to New Mexico ethanol decision (04/15/2007)
A contested ethanol plant moved one step closer to operation last week when a New Mexico Environment Department official recommended giving the plant the OK in a report.

Oil, Gas Industry Agrees to Work with EPA in Solving Environmental Problems (04/11/2007)
The oil and gas exploration and refining industry has become the 13th industry to join EPAs voluntary Sector Strategies Program that fosters collaboration among business, government, and non-government organizations. Through this program, EPA works with the diverse parties to improve the environmental impact of the major manufacturing and service sectors of the U.S. economy.

Lean Manufacturing, the Environment and the Bottom Line (04/08/2007)
Taking a break from a kaizen event, I had the rare opportunity to pick the brain of the sensei, a Japanese consultant who had been involved with lean manufacturing since before its arrival to the United States. Since I work for the Environmental Protection Agency, I asked him about the status of lean manufacturing in Japan, and in particular whether the focus of lean and efficient production had begun addressing environmental concerns. Through a few more questions and responses, his answer became clear.

DOE Energy Assessments (04/03/2007)
DOE announced they expect to close Round 2 of its Save Energy Now campaign on April 13. Save Energy Now is an effort to assist U.S. industry to identify potential energy and cost savings opportunities. Round 2 offers expanded assessments for plants, including system evaluation for pump, compressed air, fan, and motor systems (in addition to steam and process heating), and cost-shared opportunities. An additional 250 Energy Savings Assessments (ESA) will be offered in 2007.

Energy Efficiency Award Applications due May (04/03/2007)
ACEEE is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2007 Champion of Industrial Energy Efficiency Awards. Awarded at ACEEE's Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry conferences, these awards recognize leadership and accomplishment in the industrial energy efficiency field. Winners will be selected based on demonstrated excellence in the following categories: Research and Development (R&D);Energy Policy; Implementation and Deployment; or Industrial Leadership.

Lean manufacturing, the environment and the bottom line (04/03/2007)
Lean manufacturing usually helps the environment without really intending to. A Shingo Prize-winning study that EPA commissioned found that through Lean, many companies were saving money by taking steps that also benefited the environment, even when they were not consciously trying to do so. "Environmental" wastes, such as excess energy or water use, hazardous waste, or solid waste, present largely untapped opportunities to the lean practitioner. This is obvious if one steps back to consider the overall goals of lean manufacturing continually improving production efficiency.

Daimlerchrysler to Build Test Fleet of Electric Vans (03/31/2007)
DaimlerChrysler AG said on Tuesday it would begin testing a fleet of commercial vans capable of running on battery power alone over the course of the next year with the roll-out of its redesigned Dodge Sprinter.

Smart architect designs "dumb" building (03/28/2007)
It is not a sophisticated building, it is a throwback. It is the first office building in 50 years to be built in Seattle without air conditioning. It won't knock anyone over the head with high-tech turbines and acres of photovoltaics; It will just efficiently and simply use 30% less energy by doing things that architects have known about for hundreds of years.

Bush, Big Three Automakers Repeat Commitment to Alternative Fuels (03/26/2007)
President Bush is pushing to reduce gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next 10 years, and is trying to cajole the CEOs of the "big three" U.S. auto companies to help the country get there.

Texas Lawmakers place global warming on the agenda (03/26/2007)
Lawmakers this session have filed more bills to assess the effects global warming will have on the state and to curb the pollution causing it than at any other time in legislative history, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis.

Troubled Waters (03/26/2007)
Too many people are dipping into the Rio Grande and pulling out too much water, according to a conservation group. But the people overseeing South Texas portion of the river say theyre doing everything they can to make sure theres enough water for everyone.

Toyota Thinking Green - Toyota Motor Sales Headquarters Announces Zero Waste to Landfill (03/25/2007)
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. announced today its Think Green! program, which achieves a high recycling rate and zero waste to landfill at TMS headquarters. Toyota's comprehensive Think Green! program sets an environmental benchmark for the automotive industry.

"Think Green! reduces the impact TMS headquarters has on our environment by creating resources from waste," said Bob Pitts, TMS group vice president of administrative services. "Toyota Motor Sales is committed to its Global Earth Charter and will continue to expand initiatives to protect our environment."

A world without waste (03/23/2007)
The 'zero waste' movement imagines a future where everything is a renewable resource. Sound impossible? From New Zealand to New England, it's already changing the way governments and companies do business.

The Year Without Toilet Paper (03/23/2007)
DINNER was the usual affair on Thursday night in Apartment 9F in an elegant prewar on Lower Fifth Avenue. There was shredded cabbage with fruit-scrap vinegar; mashed parsnips and yellow carrots with local butter and fresh thyme; a terrific frittata; then homemade yogurt with honey and thyme tea, eaten under the greenish flickering light cast by two beeswax candles and a fluorescent bulb.

Car guide ranks models by chemical makeup (03/22/2007)
Billing it as the first-ever consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars, an advocacy group rated more than 200 models based on interior parts from steering wheels to armrests whose chemical components could break down over time.

Applied Sees Glass Solar Cell Demand Outgrowing Silicon (03/21/2007)
Demand for glass solar cells will grow at double that for those based on traditional silicon as cheaper price offsets a less-efficient design, the head of Applied Materials' solar unit said Friday. Glass-based cells, made by sandwiching ultra-thin layers of materials between two sheets of glass, accounted for only about 10 percent of the 1,800 megawatts of solar capacity installed last year.

EPA Proposes Revisions to the Definition of Solid Waste (03/21/2007)
On March 15, 2007, the Agency issued a new proposal restructuring the 2003 Definition of Solid Waste proposal. The new proposal streamlines regulation of hazardous secondary materials to encourage beneficial recycling and help conserve resources. By removing unnecessary controls, recycling these materials will not only be safe, but also easier and more cost-efficient.

Can Silicon Valley Reinvent The Car? (03/20/2007)
A week or so ago, I took my first trip in a Tesla. It is one cool California ride: a smoldering, red convertible with two low-slung bucket seats. I could practically feel the road as we purred along Silicon Valley's scenic Highway 280, accelerating nimbly past BMWs and other ho-hum gas guzzlers. And we were quiet--almost as quiet as my desktop computer--because the Tesla runs on pure electric juice.

Environmentally friendly lawn good for yard and for the planet Ron Sullivan, Joe Eaton (03/20/2007)
No one is neutral about lawns. Some would say environmentally responsible lawn care is an oxymoron, like the pygmy mammoth. Some would advise conscientious lawn-owners to just rip the sucker out, plant a coastal prairie, create a xeriscape for succulents. But maybe your homeowners' association would disapprove of such extreme measures.

Gains in saving forests win battles, but not war: U.N. (03/16/2007)
The United States and much of Europe have reversed years of deforestation and are showing a net increase in wooded areas, while most developing countries continue to cut down their trees, a U.N. agency said Tuesday.

The end of garbage (03/16/2007)
Can you imagine a world of zero waste? Cities and towns across the world - and a surprising number of companies - have adopted that goal, says Fortune's Marc Gunther

H.S. Buddy Garcia Confirmed as TCEQ Commissioner (03/13/2007)
Today, the Texas Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment of H. S. Buddy Garcia of Austin to serve as a Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Prior to his appointment to the TCEQ, Garcia served as Texas Deputy Secretary of State. His term will expire August 31, 2011.

Texas regulators seek comment on TXU buyout (03/12/2007)
The Texas Public Utility Commission on Wednesday directed a hearing judge to seek comment on whether the proposed $32 billion buyout of TXU Corp. will have an impact on the company's plan to outsource transmission workers.

TXU cancellation of coal plants leaves gap in Texas energy future (03/12/2007)
Texas, as everyone knows, does everything big. Its giant oil and natural gas fields dominate the U.S. energy patch. It is now the country's largest wind power producer, with more than 2,000 turbines gathering some of the strongest American currents. It also gets the booby prize for being the biggest producer of greenhouse gases.

Daylight savings time early this year (03/11/2007)
In an effort to lower the nation's energy consumption, the federal government passed the 2005 Federal Energy Policy Act, which includes advancing Daylight Saving Time, beginning this year, from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March to encourage energy savings. The extra hour of daylight is expected to reduce the use of lights and small appliances, which can account for up to 25 percent of a typical homeowner's power consumption. Using less energy means saving money on customers' utility bills.

TCEQ needs more staff, stronger rules (03/10/2007)
After nearly 11 weeks, the blazing debris pile near Helotes appears close to being extinguished. It will be a welcome end to an episode that has seen many battles over turf and struggles over strategy between state environmental officials and local leaders.

TXU to try coal gasification process (03/10/2007)
A holding company formed to buy TXU Corp. says it has started the planning process for two coal gasification demonstration plants in Texas. Integrated gasification combined cycle plants, or IGCC, use a relatively new technology that is less polluting than traditional coal plants. The holding company, Texas Energy Future Holdings LP, was formed by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. of New York and Fort Worth-based Texas Pacific Group to buy TXU Corp. TXU has until April 16 to consider offers from other potential buyers on the deal worth $45 billion, including the assumption of TXU debt. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2007.

HP to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Increase Energy Efficiency of Products (03/09/2007)
HP and World Wildlife Fund-US (WWF-US) today announced a joint initiative to reduce HPs greenhouse gas emissions from its operating facilities worldwide, educate and inspire others to adopt best practices, and use HP technology in conservation efforts around the world.

Lack of planning on water needs may someday leave E. Texas high, dry (03/06/2007)
Proposed legislation that could enable faraway cities like Dallas to more easily take East Texas water emphasizes the need for accurate future water planning, local officials are saying. "The idea is that areas of high growth can take water from areas that have surplus water," said environmental attorney John Stover, of Lufkin. "And the way you determine if it is surplus, is you look at the regional water plan." The group charged with culminating a regional long-term water plan for the Pineywoods is the Region I East Texas Water Planning Group. Earlier this year, the Texas Water Development Board approved the 2007 state water plan which included Region I's meticulous plan.

Post-Katrina dumping threatens Louisiana communities (03/02/2007)
Neighborhoods around New Orleans and elsewhere across Louisiana -- many in predominantly minority communities -- are facing toxic threats from dumpsites that have cropped up or expanded in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Press Release: TXU to Set New Direction (03/02/2007)
As a result of this transaction{the merger], the newly privatized company will deliver price cuts and price protection benefits to electric customers, strengthen environmental policies, make significant investments in alternative energy and institute corporate policies tied to climate stewardship.

TCEQ preparing to offer records on Internet (03/02/2007)
From Web cast meetings to e-agendas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is keeping pace with open government in the 21st century.

Hail a Hybrid! (03/01/2007)
Hybrid taxis are on the road in New York City and San Francisco, and they're not alone. Here in Texas, San Antonio has a hybrid taxi of its own, and more are on the way to Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. My customers love my hybrid, said Paul Lex, the first hybrid taxi driver in Texas. But his customers aren't the only ones who like the hybrid. Lex added, I'm saving over $100 per week on gas.

Energy giant's takeover leads to green makeover (02/27/2007)
At this time of year, radio stations and other media exhort us to "think green." Just ruminating about springtime might speed its arrival. Investors concerned about the environment were treated on Monday to a Wall Street version of this concept.

Environmental group Ceres warns of risk in TXU (02/25/2007)
The Ceres investor coalition on Sunday warned of investor risk from the coal strategy of TXU Corp. which sources say will receive a $32 billion buyout offer from Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Texas Pacific Group The report by Ceres, an environmental group, says that TXU's investors will face a multitude of financial risks if the company moves forward with its plans to build 9,000 megawatts of pulverized coal-fired capacity.

Mega-deal may quash proposed coal-fired power plants (02/25/2007)
TXU Corp. will abandon its controversial plans to build three coal-fired power units in McLennan County and several others around the state under a proposed $45 billion buyout by a team of private equity firms, according to people involved in the negotiations. In a breathtaking reversal of its ambitious $10 billion coal power expansion in Texas, the energy giant will scrap plans to build eight of 11 coal units it had planned, including the Lake Creek plant and the two-unit Tradinghouse Creek plant in eastern McLennan County, those involved in the deal say. The city of Waco, joined by an array of environmental groups and Texas cities, have been fighting the plants in state administrative hearings over pollution concerns.

International workshop on green building opens in Mexico City (02/20/2007)
A public workshop featuring many of the architects, planners, policy makers and companies pioneering the development of green buildings in Mexico opened today.

Green buildings need more incentives in U.S. (02/18/2007)
When it opens next year, the 54-story Bank of America Tower in New York will be the most environmentally friendly office building in the United States. It will produce most of its energy at an on-site cogeneration plant. It will capture and reuse waste water and rainwater. And it uses recycled materials in its construction.

Gore plans to rock against warming (02/16/2007)
Al Gore, the former vice president and now hit documentary maker, on Thursday added rock promoter to his résumé, announcing plans for a 24-hour concert series on all seven continents to highlight, you guessed it, the dangers of global warming. With a powerhouse lineup of acts from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Snoop Dogg to Bon Jovi, what's being called "Live Earth" aims to gather more than 100 of the world's top musicians on July 7 and attract 2 billion viewers, most of them via television, radio and the Web.

Hillside gets a coat of green paint (02/15/2007)
Villagers in southwestern China are scratching their heads after an estimated more than $60,000 was spent to paint a barren hillside green. The forestry bureau of Fumin county, in Chinas southwest Yunnan province, paid $60,000 for a team of seven painters to spend 45 days daubing the disused quarry at Lihua village in green paint, the Beijing News said.

U.S. EPA trims the publics right to know (02/15/2007)
The U.S. EPAs Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), which reports the amount of chemicals companies release to the air, land, and water, has been expanded over the years to cover more substances and more industries. Now, EPA has reduced the amount of information that will be made public in the popular database, allowing companies to use a short reporting form, which does not disclose the pounds of chemicals released. Critics say the cuts are an attempt by the Bush Administration to curtail citizens right to know about the activities of their industrial neighbors.

Editorial: TCEQ should listen to locals on mulch (02/14/2007)
A heated fight over how to handle the fiery mulch pile still burning near Helotes has been going on far too long. But the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality can still make this right by heeding local officials and not putting any more water on the 7-week-old fire.

Neighborhood's Porous Pavement Easily Absorbs Record Rainfall (02/14/2007)
Pringle Creek Community a 32 acre residential neighborhood in southeast Salem, Oregon is the nations first full-scale porous pavement project. In contrast to typical asphalt mixes which makes rainwater carry oil, grease, chemicals and other pollutants across ecosystems, porous pavement lets water soak into the soil eliminating the need for a conventional stormwater management system. The porous pavement system, fully 7,000 feet of green streets and 2,000 feet of green alleyways, absorbed the full brunt of Salems record 15 inches of rainfall in November 2006. It did so without flooding or clogged storm drains and is estimated to have returned 90% of the rainwater to the aquifer.

Texas Recycles Day ReportsStellar Results (02/14/2007)
Texas Recycles Day, the TCEQ's annual public recycling campaign that occurs each November, proved successful again in 2006. With the support of the TCEQ, Keep Texas Beautiful and its many affiliates offer opportunities for citizens across the state to participate by volunteering their time and holding events.

Wealth of Green Features Highlights New EPA Regional Office (02/14/2007)
In January, 900 employees and contractors of the Denver Regional Office of the US EPA moved into a new headquarters building in downtown Denver that has already become a hallmark of environmental sustainability. The LEED certification process for the building is still on-going however EPA anticipates that the building will be certified as the second Gold-rated new construction building in Colorado. Major sustainability attributes of the new building include: high efficiency and waterless plumbing fixtures, 100% wind energy purchase offsets, natural light in 85% of floor space, rooftop photovoltaic panels, a 20,000 square foot green roof, under-floor air distribution, and formaldehyde-free bamboo wall panels and bleacher steps (perhaps the first building in the world to have these). The building is sited a block from major transit hubs and its architecture connects it to the historic character of the 19th century commercial district in which it is located. Oregon Neighborhoods Porous Pavement Easily Absorbs Record Rainfall. Pringle Creek Community a 32 acre residential neighborhood in southeast Salem, Oregon is the nations first full-scale porous pavement project. In contrast to typical asphalt mixes which makes rainwater carry oil, grease, chemicals and other pollutants across ecosystems, porous pavement lets water soak into the soil eliminating the need for a conventional stormwater management system. The porous pavement system, fully 7,000 feet of green streets and 2,000 feet of green alleyways, absorbed the full brunt of Salems record 15 inches of rainfall in November 2006. It did so without flooding or clogged storm drains and is estimated to have returned 90% of the rainwater to the aquifer. (Sustainable Development Inc., December 11, 2006, http://www.pringlecreek.com/news/12_11_06.htm)

Merle Haggard explores green energy (02/09/2007)
Merle Haggard is burnishing his rebel image with talk of setting up an alternative energy business in his oil-rich hometown. The 69-year-old country music legend said he's considering buying a second home near his native Oildale and founding a "sensible" green energy project to help the United States kick its fossil-fuel habit, the Bakersfield Californian reported.

SAWS votes to cut the water supply for Helotes firefighting effort (02/07/2007)
San Antonio Water System's board of trustees on Tuesday voted unanimously to not approve a proposed contract with Oil Mop Inc. to augment the company's firefighting capabilities.

TCEQ holds hearing, gets public input on air quality (02/07/2007)
Proposed new environmental rules aimed at bringing two metropolitan areas of Texas into compliance with federal air quality rules could come with a hefty price tag in East Texas, according to those testifying Tuesday at a public hearing in Longview. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality conducted a hearing on the proposed rules in Longview, one of seven hearings being held statewide. The local gathering at the Longview Public Library drew more than 40 people. Four of those signed up to speak. The four represented the energy industry and heavy equipment providers.

TCEQ hunts for more large piles of mulch, debris (02/04/2007)
This week, the TCEQ stopped by for a visit and left seven citations behind. They said the piles of brush and tree limbs are just like those burning. Although the Hinojosa brush is not on fire, the owner was given notice that the piles are considered municipal solid waste. So the owner will have to get more permits and more insurance.

Mayors unite on the 'green' front (02/02/2007)
Earth-friendly buildings, cars help cities fight global warming and save money. Pittsburgh, once the gritty center of steel manufacturing, now boasts the first "green" convention center and one of the world's largest environmentally sustainable buildings: the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

On the banks of the Allegheny River, the building taps an underground aquifer for drinking water and recycles water used in its bathrooms. Roof skylights and glass walls produce diffused light and uniform temperatures to light and heat the building naturally. The center is a striking monument to Pittsburgh's efforts to transform itself.

Texas company pledges to replace and recycle lights containing mercury (02/02/2007)
Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency marked the entry of Schirm USA, Inc. into its national partnership for pollution reduction. The company has pledged to complete mercury reduction measures at its Ennis, Texas, facility as part of the National Pa