Public Policy

Feb 03 2023, MARK FADDEN

Colleyville residents rally to save scrap of native forest

Colleyville residents, led by Tim Waterworth, are opposing a Southlake developer's plan to clear 14 acres of native Cross Timbers forest for luxury homes. This historic forest, crucial for its environmental benefits and heritage, faces development despite community efforts, including opposition letters and council hearings.

Jan 11 2023, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Fort Worth seeks input for urban forest master plan

Fort Worth, in partnership with the Texas Trees Foundation, seeks public input for its first Urban Forest Master Plan. The plan will evaluate urban forest resources, identify priority planting areas, and create a strategic vision. A virtual workshop highlighted issues like clearcutting and tree preservation. Feedback is open via a survey until February's end.

Aug 10 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Arlington activists push back on new gas drilling

Arlington approved 11 new gas wells near homes without public input, sparking activist opposition. The 2019 ordinance allows administrative approvals in established zones without notifying residents. Critics, like Liveable Arlington, cite health studies linking fracking to serious impacts. Total Energies operates the Bruder site, with activists demanding stricter regulations.

Jul 29 2022, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Save state's mountain lions before it's too late, says Texas filmmaker

The movement to save Texas mountain lions before they're gone forever, in this episode of the Texas Green Report, a production of Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute.

Jul 21 2022, AMY MARTIN

Creek banks restored after Dallas neighborhood protests

This is Part 2 of the Ash Creek Renovation in East Dallas. To catch you up, the banks of a beloved neighborhood creek were clearcut last year by construction workers during a $69.28 million renovation to Bryan Adams High School in East Dallas.

Jul 08 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Fort Worth enlists accelerator to step up park equity

Fort Worth joined the Trust for Public Land's 10-Minute Walk Park Equity Accelerator to improve park access, leveraging funding and expertise to overcome outdoor equity barriers. With only 61% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park, this initiative aims to enhance health, climate, and community benefits citywide.

Jul 01 2022, Erin Douglas

SCOTUS limits EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases

July 1, 2022

The high court said a cap on power plants’ carbon dioxide emissions that forces a transition to other fuels may be a “sensible” solution to the climate crisis, but that Congress did not give the Environmental Protection Agency the broad authority to make such requirements. Texas was one of 17 states that joined in the suit.

TEXAS TRIBUNE

Jun 24 2022, Erin Douglas

Texans tell TCEQ: Stop being reluctant to regulate industry

A report criticized Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for being “reluctant” regulators, favoring industry self-policing. Texans testified about its ineffectiveness, urging reform for transparency and accountability, especially in communities of color. Lawmakers debated recommendations, highlighting tensions between regulation, cost, and public trust.

Jun 17 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Texans urged to comment on TCEQ during state review

Texans can submit comments on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) during its “Sunset Review,” an independent assessment every 12 years. Public input can influence significant changes. Virtual hearings gather input, and comments are accepted online until June 27, with a public hearing on June 22 in Austin.