Julie Thibodeaux

Activists from Southern Sector Rising staged a protest with skull and crossbones posters at Dallas' Shingle Mountain, urging the city to act on removing 70,000 tons of shingles. While Dallas accepted a $450,000 contractor bid for cleanup, activists demand a detailed removal timetable. Next protest at City Hall is planned.

Environmentalists are protesting Waste Control Specialists' plan for a high-level radioactive waste dump in West Texas, which recently received preliminary approval. Public meetings are set for October, but activists criticize the virtual format. Concerns include safety risks and the legality of the site's use for nuclear waste.

Six North Texans will be recognized at the 2020 Texas Sierra Club’s Environmental Awards on Oct. 3 via Zoom. Honorees include Bre Jacks, Olinka Green, and Marcus X Russell for Environmental Justice, David Schechter and Robert Wilonsky for Environmental Reporting, and Andrew Brinker for Special Service.

About 30 migrating birds, disoriented by Dallas's bright lights, collided with buildings this week. The Texas Conservation Alliance's survey is part of the Lights Out Texas campaign to reduce light pollution. Dallas, a major migration path, is dangerous for birds due to its urban lights.

EarthxTV, a year-round online platform by EarthX, launching Sept. 21, emerged after a successful virtual Earth Day event. It will offer environmental content including original series like "Green Justice" and "EarthxCEO." The mission is to be the leading streaming network for environmental programming.

On North Texas Giving Day, Sept. 17, support the Memnosyne Institute, a first-time participant, to aid Food Source DFW, a food recycling program. Founded in 2013 by Todd Collier, it redistributed 15 million pounds of food, connecting donors to those in need, and has been vital during the pandemic.

Ranjana Bhandari, leader of Liveable Arlington, will discuss her group’s victory against gas drilling on "Staying Home with Josh Fox" on Sept. 24 at 3:30 p.m. CST. Their successful pushback with Arlington City Council against Total's drilling plan has received national attention for environmental justice.

'Lights Out Texas,' a conservation effort by Texas nonprofits and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to protect billions of migrating birds from deadly light pollution from Dallas, among others. During peak migration, participants are asked to reduce lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

An industrial fire at the Poly-America plastics plant in Grand Prairie, caused by a fallen power line, spread toxic smoke and required extensive firefighting foam. Residents were advised to stay indoors. Environmentalists call for reduced reliance on plastics, citing health risks from burning plastics and industry pollution.

Stephen F. Austin State University launches an online sustainability degree this fall, focusing on training sustainability coordinators. The program covers disciplines like sociology and geography, offering internships and certification. A master's program is planned for spring. It aims to attract remote students and offers practical sustainability initiatives.

Nominate environmental leaders for DFW's 9th annual 2020 Sustainable Leadership Awards hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute. Categories include Environmental Science, Conservation Activist, Green Project, and Volunteer of the Year.

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.