Julie Thibodeaux

'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.

Waste Control Specialists' plan to store high-level radioactive waste in Texas progresses amid public opposition and safety concerns. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's draft study supports the proposal, which faces criticism for potential transportation risks and site's unsuitability for permanent storage. Public comments are open until November 3rd.

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.

During quarantine, Fort Worth activists launched a 350.org chapter to educate on climate change after suspending weekly protests. Led by Chay Creswell and John MacFarlane, the group’s first virtual meeting is on July 16. They aim to collaborate locally on urgent climate action and policy development.

Amy Martin, Green Source DFW columnist, is authoring "Wild Dallas-Fort Worth" for Timber Press, exploring North Texas' nature. The guidebook covers natural history, flora, fauna, and field trips, featuring local experts and ecological professionals. It builds on her past works, due out in early 2023.

Acre Distilling in Fort Worth, founded by Tony Formby in 2015, will soon be entirely powered by solar energy. Inspired by environmental concerns, Formby partnered with Circle L Solar to install over 350 solar panels. The Green Acre Initiative also includes biodegradable products, a recycling program, and electric car charging stations.

While the nation grapples with the pandemic and racial injustice protests, the Trump administration continues to roll back environmental protections, reversing over 60 rules since 2017. Key rollbacks include changes to emissions rules, wetland protections, and wildlife protections. Various resources track these changes, such as Harvard and Columbia Law Schools.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram hired Haley Samsel as an environmental reporter with support from a $15,000 Anita Berry Martin Memorial Fund grant and Report for America. Samsel will cover environmental issues related to Fort Worth's rapid growth, addressing challenges like flash flooding and deforestation.