Julie Thibodeaux

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.

Fort Worth-based turtle expert Andrew Brinker says if you find a turle in the middle of the street, you should carry it across the road in the direction it was going. That’s because, most of the time, it knows where it’s headed.

GSDFW's 50th Earth Day celebration moved online due to coronavirus. Features include interviews with Denis Hayes, local history, and green tips. Highlights cover reflections and Earth Day's evolution, plus digital activities like selfies, a performance by Montopolis, a reading of "The Giving Tree," and a new environmental podcast.

Austin's Montopolis performed "The Legend of Big Bend" at the Green Source DFW Awards, blending music, imagery, history, and poetry. The taped performance is now available for viewing. The "Living Coast" show, originally set for March, is postponed to June 15 due to a stay-at-home order.

The first Earth Day in 1970 saw active participation in North Texas, with schools organizing events like recycling drives, speeches, and teaching sessions. Students were engaged in projects raising environmental awareness. Denton and Arlington hosted activities such as teach-ins and symbolic demonstrations against pollution, while Dallas saw significant student participation in environmental efforts.

"Be Green in Quarantine!" offers eco-friendly tips for home health, food, and gardening during the coronavirus lockdown. It includes advice on eco-friendly cleaners and home air filters, highlights local veg takeouts, gardening tips, and discusses virtual nature education. It also covers event cancellations and postponed eco-festivals.