Clean air

Climate change, caused by unchecked carbon pollution and overfishing, is the most pressing environmental issue of our time. Climate change is causing rising global temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns and increasing health risks. It is also the most politically divisive issue of our time, particularly in the U.S. Our speaker, Dr. Mike Slattery, director of the Institute for Environmental Studies and Professor in the School of Geology, Energy and the Environment at TCU, examines the science behind climate change and why it has become so politicized. 

We're moving ahead on a wide variety of exciting plans and opportunities ramping up to expand our outreach and engagement throughout North Texas this year ahead, so if you've been interested in joining the local efforts but haven't known when to jump in, this Saturday is a perfect opportunity!

Here's a few of the highlights from the past month and coming up:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced three public hearings to be held for three proposed rules titled, “Source Determination for Certain Emission Units in the Oil and Natural Gas Sector,” “Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New and Modified Sources,” and “Review of New Sources and Modifications in Indian Country: Federal Implementation Plan for Managing Air Emissions from True Minor Sources Engaged in Oil and Natural Gas Production in Indian Country.” Two hearings will be held on September 23, 2015, simultaneously—one in Denver, CO, and one in Dallas

The tour enables people to learn how their neighbors – homeowners and businesses alike – are using solar energy, wind energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies to save money and consume less of our natural resources. The strategies and techniques on display during this year’s tour range from things as simple and easy as changing to LED light bulbs and selecting more efficient appliances, to cutting-edge, ultra-efficient eco-homes and businesses that are generating as much or more energy than they consume.

Most sites are open between 10 am and 4 pm (check individual sites for exceptions, non-standard tour times are indicated in red). Homeowners or NTREG volunteers will be available at each site to provide information, share experiences and answer questions. Visit the Locations page and follow the links for each host site to see its visiting hours along with maps, directions, and a brief property description and photos provided by the host site.

 Free.

Earlier this month, President Obama and the EPA issued the Clean Power Plan, the biggest step the U.S. has ever taken to tackle global warming. The rule requires Texas power plants to reduce carbon emissions approximately 34 percent by 2030.  

Dallas County Judge Jenkins, philanthropist Trammell Crow and others will discuss how global warming is impacting the Dallas-Fort Worth area and what the Clean Power Plan will mean for Texas.

Monthly Agenda

​​11:00-11:30 CCL Denton Meeting

11:30-12:00 CCL Monthly Actions Practice

12:00 - 1:00 National Call 

Each month CCL volunteers from around the country gather locally for a conference call where we do three things: educate ourselves by listening to a guest speaker, celebrate our accomplishments, take coordinated action. 

August speaker: Sam Daley-Harris, Center for Citizen Empowerment and Transformation. 

Harris will join our August call and coach us on best practices to ensure that our actions have the greatest impact with members of Congress. After 15 years with RESULTS, Sam founded the Microcredit Summit Campaign, which he left in 2012 to establish the Center for Citizen Empowerment and Transformation.

Info: 

Brett Cease, CCL Co-Lead Denton Chapter; PhD Student in Public Policy, UTD. 218-766-0830, brettw.cease@gmail.com

Residents are invited to attend the City of Arlington’s Urban Drilling Educational Forum.

In an effort to increase transparency, the Urban Drilling Educational Forum will provide attendees with information on the roles and responsibilities of the local and state regulating authorities in urban drilling.

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to listen to panelists, view presentations and ask questions about the regulation of urban drilling.

Representatives from the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the City of Arlington (COA) are scheduled to participate.

The North Central Texas Council of Government hosts the annual Clean Air Action day to encourage North Texans make at least one commitment for a healthier environment and cleaner air. Participants’ choices can be as simple as carpooling or bringing a lunch to work.

Here's a list of clean air commitments to choose from.

Additionally, this year they’re holding social media contests for participants to take part in. By posting their commitment on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #CAAD and @nctcogtrans, participants have the opportunity to win a prize.

The Cross Timbers Sierra Club,  which serves Collin, Denton, Fannin, and Grayson counties, hosts Sally Evans from the Blackland Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. 

Info: Brandi Price, brandirealemail@gmail.com.

The North Texas Electric Auto Association’s goal is to support local EV enthusiasts and to promote and educate the public regarding the benefits of electric vehicles.