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North Texas

Jun 04 2018, Shirley Jinkins

New Arlington library is study in sustainable design

Grand opening of the new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library in Arlington is June 16. Images courtesy of city of Arlington.

June 4, 2018

With a sweeping metal exterior, solar panels and rooftop gardens, Arlington’s new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is poised to write a bold chapter in eco-friendly urban planning in North Texas.

Grand Opening for the 70,000 square-foot, three-story innovation is June 16, followed by days of get-acquainted community events called Discover Your Story.

Motion passes; 7 Yes, 1 No, 0 Abstain; vote breakdown shown.
May 24 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Gas driller wins second round of Arlington waiver fight

Total, a top gas driller, won City Council approval to waive Arlington’s 600-foot setback rule, despite the protest of over 80 residents. Although Arlington had denied a similar application in February, Total’s revised proposal passed 7-1. The decision sparked public health and safety concerns.
Protesters holding signs outside buildings on a city street.
May 23 2018, Julie Ryan

Demonstrators gearing up for annual clash with ExxonMobil

Demonstrators will protest outside ExxonMobil’s annual shareholder meeting at the Myerson Symphony Center in Dallas on May 30, highlighting climate change issues and Exxon’s inadequate response to shareholder resolutions. The protest is led by 350Dallas and supported by various advocacy groups concerned about Exxon’s community impact and fossil fuel dependency.
May 21 2018, MINNIE PAYNE

Dallas woman launches global forum for sustainability

A solar public art installation in Austin is one of the sustainability projects posted on AmbientGreenery.com. Photos courtesy of AmbientGreenery.com.

May 21, 2018

A Dallas woman has created a social media site for sustainability fans.

The website AmbientGreenery.com aims to encourage sustainability worldwide by offering a digital forum where anyone can post a photo of a cool sustainable find. 

Texas highway sign with sponsor logo on roadside.
May 17 2018, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Company picks up litter for Texas highway adopters

A California company collaborates with the Texas Department of Transportation to offer the Texas Sponsor a Highway Program. This initiative allows companies to pay for professional litter cleanup crews in exchange for advertising, making highway adoption accessible to all businesses and supporting environmental efforts.
Dumpster with colorful superhero mural in an empty parking lot.
May 15 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Multi-family recycling law in Dallas faces final hurdle 

The final step for Dallas to mandate recycling for multi-family dwellings is a City Council vote on June 13. The ordinance requires recycling services for all residents, matching single-family home services, and aims to correct condo oversight. Advocates urge public support to ensure passage.
Cracked asphalt with scattered gravel.
May 14 2018, Julie Ryan

Joppa concrete debate reveals cracks in Dallas' environmental oversight

A proposed concrete plant in south Dallas' Joppa community sparked a debate about environmental health risks and zoning decisions. Residents had mixed feelings, with some prioritizing jobs over health concerns. City Council eventually denied the permit, highlighting the lack of proper environmental assessment in city development plans.
May 10 2018, RITA COOK

Green in Abilene? Check out these eco-friendly stops

The SoDa District Courtyard is one of the many repurposed historical buildings in Abilene. Courtesy of Tim Smith.

May 10, 2018

You never know where the Lorax will turn up. Even in West Texas.

Like other counter culture movements, environmentalism has seeped into the American psyche. We recently discovered even some folks in Abilene, a city of 130,000 about 150 miles west of DFW, say they are conscious of the need for green.