Julie Thibodeaux

Dallas City Council approved regulations requiring public hearings for concrete and asphalt batch plants via a Specific Use Permit. Applauded by environmentalists, the change addresses equity and pollution concerns and gives communities a voice in plant siting. A second phase considers buffer zones to limit impacts on sensitive areas.

Fort Worth partners with the Texas Trees Foundation to develop its first Urban Forestry Master Plan. This initiative, supported by a $250,000 funding, aims to sustain and enhance urban forestry, engage stakeholders, and address tree conservation. The plan follows Fort Worth's historic green milestones and addresses illegal tree cutting concerns.

Protestors in Fort Worth gathered against TotalEnergies' Russian ties, criticizing their investments supporting Russia’s regime amidst its military aggression in Ukraine. TotalEnergies announced a halt to Russian oil purchases but remains tied to Novatek. Environmental and social groups back the protest, demanding divestment and alternative energy transition.

EarthX Film Festival 2022 will be held in the Dallas Arts District from May 12-15, showcasing 24 features and 54 shorts across five venues. The theme “A Celebration of the Outdoors” highlights environmental conservation. The festival opens with Ben Masters’ "Deep in the Heart," narrated by Matthew McConaughey.

North Texans can vote to name the trail connecting Dallas and Fort Worth, set for completion in early 2024. NCTCOG launched a survey with two logo options: DFW Discovery Trail and DFW Trinity Trail. This initiative involves five cities and aims to enhance regional connectivity and environmentally friendly transportation.

Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk interviews Trammell S. Crow about EarthX, the largest Earth Day event globally. EarthX 2022 will be in Dallas, offering environmental insights and experiences. More information is available at EarthX.org. Related events include EarthX's return to an in-person format and the Film Festival's move downtown.

EarthX returns in-person at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas from April 22-24. Founded by Trammell S. Crow, it's the first in-person event since 2019, featuring a streamlined Earth Day celebration with outdoor activities, UN summits, and select highlights available on EarthxTV.

Great turnout for Oak Cliff Earth Day 2022! Photos by J.G. Domke and others showcase the event. Thanks to sponsors like Dallas College, Dallas Parks and Rec, and more. Marsha Jackson engaged attendees at Dallas College's booth.

Oak Cliff Earth Day returns April 3, 2022, at Lake Cliff Park, Dallas, after a two-year pause. The event features eco-friendly vendors, speakers, and entertainment, including Marsha Jackson, a 2020 environmental award winner. Hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute, it is supported by Dallas College.

Environmental groups including Beyond Nuclear and Sierra Club are suing the NRC for approving a temporary high-level radioactive waste storage facility in West Texas, arguing it poses safety risks and violates federal laws. Texas and New Mexico also oppose the facility, expected to store vast nuclear waste amounts.

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is reviving its trail run after eight years, offering the Woods and Wetlands 6K+ and the Earth Day Dash. Scheduled for April 23, proceeds support restoration efforts. The event features a new Stewart Creek Trail and emphasizes participation over competition, including snacks and educational activities.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine led a coalition to highlight environmental impacts, including nuclear risks and pollution. An open letter signed by over 1,000 global entities underscores the potential environmental crisis from military actions in industrial areas and stresses the connection between peace and environmental health.