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U.S. Conference of Mayors Calls for Dramatic Improvements in Energy Efficiency of Buildings 6/25/2008

This week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) unanimously voted for a resolution endorsing a 30% increase in the energy efficiency of new residential buildings and calling for a dramatic improvement of the model energy building codes that guide local and state building codes.

New Report: Texas Achieving Impressive Results in the Fight Against Global Warming 6/18/2008

AUSTIN — Environment Texas joined with Environment America to release a new report, Global Warming Solutions that Work, which details more than 20 examples of cutting-edge policies and practices that communities are using to reduce global warming pollution, from solar power in Israel to rooftop gardens in the South Bronx. The report also profiles positive actions taken by the cities of Dallas and Austin and the state of Texas, which has become a leader in wind power.

New Rules on Environmental Reviews and Fishing Could Help Gulf of Mexico and Fish Rebound 6/05/2008

Federal data show that in 2007 nearly three out of ten Gulf of Mexico fish species for which there is adequate information were overfished or were caught faster than they can reproduce, a condition known as overfishing.

Most Recent Reports

Global Warming Solutions That Work 6/18/2008

Global warming is the defining challenge of our time. The latest climate science tells us that the United States must reduce its emissions of global warming pollutants quickly and dramatically if we hope to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of global warming. The rest of the world must take strong action as well.

The Gulf: From Overfishing to Healthy Waters 6/05/2008

America’s oceans are home to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, fish and an enormous variety of other sea life. But today our oceans are in trouble. Destructive overfishing, pollution, global warming and habitat damage are putting important marine animals at risk. Many populations are in serious decline.

When It Rains, It Pours 12/04/2007

Scientists expect that global warming will cause a variety of changes to precipitation patterns in the United States. Many areas will receive increased amounts of rain and snow over the course of a year; some areas will receive less. But scientists expect that, all across the country, the rainstorms and snowstorms that do occur will be more intense – increasing the risk of flooding and other impacts.

Our Issues in the News

S.A. refiners say expanding offshore drilling 7/11/2008

Luke Metzger, director of Austin-based Environment Texas, says more offshore drilling is not the answer to energy independence for America. Environment Texas is a nonprofit citizens group that advocates at the state and federal level for clean air, clean water and open spaces. "If you compare Texas beaches to the pristine Florida beaches, there's your answer," Metzger says. "Drilling has had a serious impact on beach quality and water quality. Increasing drilling will only exacerbate that." Metzger says the key to helping the U.S. be more dependent on itself for energy is to look at alternatives such as Congress raising fuel mileage standards for vehicles, hybrid technologies for vehicles and alternative fuels like ethanol. "We are never going to drill our way to energy independence," he says. "If we are going to be serious about solving our energy problems, we need to invest in those alternatives."

Public Utility Commission Mulling Transmission Proposals 7/03/2008

“We think CPS is taking a very narrow view,” said Luke Metzger, director of Environment Texas, an environmental advocacy organization. “It's unfortunate that CPS is making public proclamations about support for renewables, but behind closed doors they're resisting policies that we need to get there.”

The Greening of Michael McCaul 7/03/2008

Environmental groups lauded the bill but remain unimpressed with McCaul. In this case, they say, the "win-win" aspect of HR 3021 explains McCaul's green clothing. "Generally with Michael McCaul, his voting record is pretty terrible," says Luke Metzger of Environment Texas, the local chapter of Environment America. "He talks a good game. He aligns himself with perhaps less controversial issues like green schools or issues where there isn't a powerful special interest standing in the way. Any time that that happens, he regularly sides with big polluters and against the environment."

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Read the Winter 2008 Environment Texas Newsletter