Public Policy

Learn about the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team and learn how to monitor water quality. Registration required.

At 11 a.m., Bird’s Fort Trail Park (meet at the pavilion), 5756 Riverside Drive. At 1 p.m. Jaycee Park
2000 W. Airport Freeway (meet at the low-water crossing). At 2 p.m., Centennial Park, 444 W. Second St. (meet at the low-water crossing). At 3 p.m., Towne Lake Park, 800 Esters Road (meet at the Gazebo). Register: http://www.ci.irving.tx.us/begreen/geo/geo.asp

Speakers to discuss the state of Texas' energy. Speakers include: Mark Armentrout, Former ERCOT chairman, CEO of Texas Technology Partners; Maria Richards, SMU Geothermal Lab Coordinator; Al Armendariz, PhD, Former Region 6 EPA Administrator, Sierra Club Texas Campaign Director; James Smith, PhD, Maguire Chair, Oil & Gas Management; and Jim Duncan, Solar Design Specialist, North Texas Renewable Energy Group. Sponsored by the Memnosyne Foundation, SMU and the Sierra Club.

The Urban Bird Treaty/Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant program that works with cities to promote conservation of migratory birds through education, conservation and habitat improvement.

Rachel will tell us how Kennedale was awarded the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant (one of only 2 cities in Texas and less than 20 across the U.S.) and about the various aspects of their program. She'll talk about Kennedale's accomplishments with the program as well as adaptations needed to reach the program's goals….and how this information might help other groups that might want to learn from their experience.

Want to know more? Check out Kennedale's Urban Bird Treaty webpage

Clean Energy Works for Texas Campaign is holding a rally at Dallas City Hall to pressure the Public Utilities Commission to implement solar and geothermal power as regulated by the Texas legislature.

"Water Matters: An Interfaith Conversation about the Environment in North Texas" is sposored by Fort Worth Interfaith Power & Light--the local affiliate of Texas Interfaith Power & Light--and Brite Divinity School. Water is an increasing concern for Texas. As the climate warms, we expect to have less water. Meanwhile, our population is growing. How can we work together to ensure that all Texans have access to adequate supplies of fresh, clean water--and what religious principles and practices might offer guidance along the way?

This Saturday, Dallas Residents at Risk will protest a city ordinance that could allow fracking in Dallas parks. Concerned citizens are invited to join the rally at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake at 9 a.m. and Valley View Park, 6950 Valley View Lane, at 11 a.m. Look for the mock 15-foot drilling rig.

Dallas Interfaith Power & Light will be hosting a screening and round-table discussion of the Nova documentary Power Surge. This film looks at the state of "green energy" in the United States and the potential impact of technology on softening the blow of global climate change. In addition, participants of this new faith-based initiative will be presented with an opportunity to comment on the draft mission and principles.

Event is hosted by the South-Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource. Morning Program (9:00am – 12:00pm): Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation and Coated Foam Roofing Systems for Commercial Buildings. Afternoon Program (1:00pm – 4:00pm): Energy Efficiency Changes and Opportunities in Above Code Programs. For more information and to register, see website.

Fracking: How Will It Impact DFW’s Air, Land, and Water? The educational panel presentation regarding natural gas fracking will be moderated by BJ Austin, reporter for KERA 90.1 radio.

The panel discussion will include a member from the city of Dallas Drilling Taskforce along with air, water, and natural gas experts to discuss the problems the region has faced with fracking-related issues.

The Dallas City Council is considering several major changes to our local gas drilling ordinance as to where and how drilling may take place in relation to homes, businesses, schools and parks. Come learn about the fracking process and its possible effects on the region’s air and water, the economy, impacts on human health and the environment.

The panel discussion is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters (Dallas, Irving, Plano, Richardson), the Memnosyne Foundation and the Dallas Sierra Club.

The Dallas Sierra Club meeting will include the following programs. Solar Energy - Jim Duncan, solar PV design and installation specialist, will talk about the fast growing
renewable energy field of solar photovoltaics. Learn about solar power for your home. Find out if purchasing a solar PV system is right for you, and learn the pros and cons of leasing solar panels. More information at www.ntrei.com.

Fall Elections - David Griggs will give a brief overview of the fall Sierra Club electoral plan for North Texas, including a handout of the list of the Sierra Club endorsements.

Contact Kirk Miller at KirkMiller@DallasSierraClub.org for more information.