Public Policy

Texans can support monarch conservation with the new specialty license plate from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Revenue aids at-risk species. Since 2000, the Texas Conservation Plate program has raised over $10 million for wildlife projects. Plates costing an extra $30 are available online or at local tax offices.

Six of eight protestors arrested at Ted Cruz’s house were Dallas youth climate activists from the Sunrise Movement. After a 400-mile march, they protested peacefully in Houston, urging action against climate change and supporting the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act amid criticisms of political leaders.

Texas regulators advanced a haze reduction plan for national parks without new pollution limits, dismissing federal and environmentalist concerns. The plan doesn't mandate coal plants to adopt pollution-reducing technologies. Environmental groups expect federal intervention due to the plan’s inadequacies. Texas argues the measures are unnecessary and cost-prohibitive.

Texas bill SB 1261, introduced by Sen. Brian Birdwell, threatens local climate plans in Texas by granting the state exclusive control over greenhouse gas regulations, affecting cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Residents are urged to oppose it through the Senate Committee.

The DFW chapter of the Climate Reality Project promotes free online training from April 22 to May 2 to empower climate activists. The sessions focus on policy change, sustainable futures, and stopping fossil fuel expansion. The initiative addresses urgent climate action and adaptation for North Texas.

Seventeen Texas House Democrats, led by Rep. Erin Zwiener, formed a climate caucus to advocate for climate change discussions at the Capitol. They aim for legislative recognition of scientific consensus, addressing the disproportionate impact on minority communities, and fostering clean energy collaboration despite partisan challenges.

A climate-focused Dallas youth coalition, including the Sunrise Movement, rallied outside Rep. Marc Veasey’s office, urging support for the Green New Deal and opposing his stance on Biden’s halted oil and gas leases. They criticize Veasey's fossil fuel ties and demand action on economic, racial, and environmental issues.

"Law & Nature" airs an "Election 2020" episode on EarthxTV from Nov. 9, exploring the election's impact on environmental law. Panelists will discuss issues like climate change and environmental justice, with insights from leading environmental law experts. The series emphasizes the election's potential long-term implications.

In the final presidential debate, Trump focused on economic priorities regarding the oil industry, while Biden emphasized the transition to renewable energy, calling climate change an existential threat. The debate touched on the impact of energy policies on jobs and pollution concerns, reflecting deep divisions in their approaches.

A $600,000 EPA grant for brownfield site cleanup is available. A free webinar on Aug. 3 from noon to 2 p.m. will guide applicants. This grant supports site assessments, remediation, community involvement, and revitalization. Application deadline is Sept. 21, 2020. Key areas include economic and environmental justice.