Environmental Justice

The Dallas Environmental Commission seeks residents to join its advisory group. Applicants need two years of environmental or advocacy experience. The deadline is May 12. Twelve public participants are needed for subcommittees. Meetings are held monthly. The aim is to enhance community involvement in environmental issues.

In March 2023, Dallas launched two initiatives to boost climate resilience: Whole Home Dallas connects residents to resources for weatherization and energy efficiency; Green Job Skills offers free, self-paced training for construction workers in energy-efficient home improvements. Both programs support the city's climate action goals.

Local environmentalists gathered at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for the 11th annual Green Source DFW Awards, celebrating North Texas environmental heroes. John Wilt, Julie Ann Fineman, Kim Aman, Suzanne Tuttle, Akash Munshi, Brand Richter, John MacFarlane, Kathryn Bazan, Tolbert Greenwood, and Lon Burnam were honored for their environmental contributions.

Tarrant County activists, led by John MacFarlane, formed the Environmental Justice Coalition of Fort Worth to address disproportionate environmental impacts on minority communities. They propose revisions to gas drilling ordinances, focusing on health and safety, and aim to develop a citywide climate action plan.

Residents celebrated the removal of Shingle Mountain, a massive shingle heap, from Floral Farms. Now, they aim to transform the contaminated site into a regional park. Activists are collaborating with local entities and seeking city engagement to secure rezoning and funding for the project's realization.

Researchers are documenting environmental injustices in Dallas through the Environmental Injustice Archive, highlighting significant pollution cases, such as Shingle Mountain and West Dallas' lead pollution. This collaboration aims to raise awareness, hold polluters accountable, and celebrate community victories against injustices in predominantly Black and Latinx neighborhoods.

The 9th annual Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards honored North Texas environmental leaders on Zoom. Attendees included awardees like activists Olinka Green and Marsha Jackson, companies Texas Nameplate and Good Faith Energy, and initiatives like Fort Worth's composting program. The keynote address by Moses Boyd emphasized environmental justice.

The 9th annual Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards, recognizing environmental leaders in North Texas, will be held online via Zoom on Nov. 12, 2020, and is free to attend. Moses Boyd will keynote, discussing the link between environmental and social justice.

Southern Sector Rising, supported by local groups, demands Dallas City remove "Shingle Mountain," 70,000 tons of asphalt shingles dumped illicitly. Despite lawsuits and rulings, little progress has been made. Affected residents face health issues, highlighting racial inequity. The coalition seeks removal by October 1 or will escalate actions.

Earth Day celebrations in North Texas span April weekends with events like Arlington's River Legacy Earth Day, Lewisville's ColorPalooza, and Dallas's Oak Cliff Earth Day. Activities include nature walks, art, environmental education, and more. EarthX film festival and eco expo feature screenings and exhibits promoting environmental awareness.