Dr. Robert Haley, who is in the running for a Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership award, has been a key ally in the fight for cleaner air in North Texas. Photo courtesy of Downwinders at Risk.
Oct. 30, 2017
A Dallas doctor has been hailed by environmentalists as a powerful ally in the fight for clean air in North Texas.
Mighty Earth says runoff from Tyson Foods' facilities and suppliers has contributed to the largest Gulf of Mexico dead zone in history.
Oct. 11, 2017
Change may be coming to the top U.S. meat producer, at a location near you. Tyson Foods’ meats and poultry, familiar in kitchens across Texas, the U.S. and abroad, are enormous sellers – $36 billion in 2016. However, the environmental fallout from Tyson, its top competitors and their supply chains of feed growers and animal-raising operators is also gigantic – in Texas, as well as in the Cornbelt.
Aug. 8, 2017
If local tree ordinances fall in the Texas Legislature, will anyone hear? So far, two weeks into the special session with two weeks to go, residents, cities and tree professionals are raising a hubbub over it. It’s a battle over local control and the tree protections in place in 110 Texas cities, by a city of Austin count. Three bills would revoke or restrict cities’ and counties’ rights to set rules for tree removal – SB 14, HB 70 and HB 7.
At the July 22 Senate hearing on Senate Bill 14, close to 150 witnesses showed up in opposition.
Senate Bill 14 and House Bill 70, ban cities, counties and even HOA from restricting property owners’ removal of trees or other vegetation.
July 24, 2017
Bills to pre-empt local ordinances protecting trees throughout Texas are being pushed through the legislature right now, unless public opposition stops them. More than 100 cities in Texas that already have tree ordinances would be affected.
Downwinders at Risk held a ceremony last week for the first graduates of its community organizing school. Above, The College of Constructive Hell Raising's Spring Class of 2017. Front row with sign: Kristian Steffany, Amanda Polland, Frances Mayo, Michelle McAdam, Anita Mills, Brandon Pollard, kneeling. Back row: Rick Baraff, Janelle Kinney, Kyle Amato, Clarice Criss, Brent Cease, Anthony Gonzales, Rebecca Bateman, Corey Troiani, Jim Schermbeck. Photos courtesy of Jim Schermbeck.
May 29, 2017
As of May 3, there were about a dozen environmental bills still in play in the House. Courtesy of Texas Legislature.
May 3, 2017
The creation of a staffed forestry division in Dallas is the dream of city’s Urban Forestry Advisory Committee. Photos courtesy of Urban Forestry Advisory Committee.
Jan. 9, 2017
Dallas launched its new Urban Forestry Division Jan. 1, joining Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston, all cities with professionally staffed forestry programs or departments.
In November, proposals for reform of the Texas Railroad Commission will be voted on by the Texas Sunset Commission, which reviews state agencies' performance.
Oct. 24, 2016
The public debate over effectiveness of the powerful, misnamed Texas Railroad Commission filled hearing rooms at the state capitol in August. The focus was recommendations from the Texas Sunset Commission staff that reviews state agencies' performance.
The Native Plant Society of Texas is hosting the Welcome the Monarchs Field Day at the Hill County northbound rest area on Oct. 13. Courtesy of MonarchJointVenture.org.
Sept. 12, 2016
Labor Day weekend saw the 10-year anniversary of DFW Free Day of Yoga. Above, Friday’s kick-off festival at the Latino Cultural Center in downtown Dallas. Photos by Christian Leigh Kramer.
Sept. 7, 2016
Speakers will talk about the current state of Texas' water supply, threats and conservation methods on Sept. 17. Above, a rainwater catchment system. Courtesy of Innovative Water Solutions, one of the speakers at the conference.
Aug. 17, 2016