The Austin American-Statesman reports that Mayor Leffingwell and two city councilmembers are set to propose a ban on grocery/retail store plastic bags today. A resolution to be voted on August 4th will have city staff come up with a timetable for the gradual implementation of the ban.
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Results tagged “environment”
Plastic Bag Ban On the Way (for Real This Time)?
Diane Wilson, Eco-Outlaw, reading at BookPeople!
Anyone who pays attention to environmental news today probably feels equal parts hopeless and desperate. Small-scale lifestyle changes like using totes at the grocery store or becoming a vegetarian might assuage guilt, but does anybody really feel like they are doing something about global warming and mass extinction? Very much unlike most of us, author, activist, Texan, Eco-Outlaw and shrimper Diane Wilson was first moved to political action when shrimp, her livelihood, were threatened by chemicals in the water in Seadrift, TX, and then took up the Bhopal Disaster of 1984 as her major cause. She joined forces with the world famous anti-war organization CodePink and raised her activist profile to world class. You might have heard about her pouring oil on herself at senate energy hearings and BP shareholders’ meetings.
Look Out Big Oil, Solar Power is on the Rise Here in Texas
The Solar Energy Industries Association recently reported that Texas has moved up the ranks two spaces and is currently ranked as the 10th photovoltaic market. This is particularly impressive given the lack of strong state incentives for going solar.
Our Sunroof Is Open! [Extra Extra]
- Among the films playing Fantastic Fest is the fantastic stop-motion/ animation mash-up In the Attic about a bunch of Czech toys. The film screens at 6:55 today!
- Texas’ students need protecting’ from a pro-Islam, Anti-Christian version of history…at least according to a guy from the Odessa school board.
- That recent massacre in Tamaulipas might indicate that the drug-gangs in Mexico are expanding their reach into people smuggling. This is not good news.
Texas Files Four More Suits Against EPA [Politics]
The ongoing battle between the state government and the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") continued yesterday when Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed four new motions against the EPA.
Texas to EPA: It Ain't Over [Politics]
It took little over a month for the state of Texas to formally respond to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final disapproval of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) flexible permit program.
![Monday Is For Regrets, Starting Over [Extra Extra]](http://austinist.com/assets_c/2010/07/4830021928_2d4ba27fa8_m-thumb-105x105-532112.jpg)
EPA Upsets Texas in Clean Air Showdown
The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") yesterday broke up what had been one helluva ride for emissions-producing companies in the state, by announcing final disapproval of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's ("TCEQ") flexible permit program.
City Council Approves Green Roof Study [Update]
You may look up and see green one of these days. That's not an attempt at a Tony Robbins affirmation: you really may be seeing more green on rooftops around downtown Austin in the future.
City Council to Vote on Green Roof Study
This Thursday, the Austin City Council will consider funding (up to $10,000) work between the University of Texas and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to further research on vegetated rooftops and how they are affected by Austin's sporadic rainfall.
No More Plastic Bags?
One local environmental group, Austin Zero Waste Alliance, is waging an all-out war on plastic bags in Austin. The Statesman reported Monday that the group is seeking a ban on all plastic bags because "the bags are an environmental scourge and ... retailers have not substantially reduced the use of the bags through a voluntary program."
Welcome Back, Sunshine! We've Missed You! [Extra Extra]
- Governor Perry issues a legal challenge contesting the idea that greenhouse gasses are bad for people.
- The Texas Supreme Court will be hearing the case about how “exotic dancing” is free speech. If so, then a $5 tax (per strip-club patron) violates the First Amendment. (Maybe they’re thinking that the Constitution includes the right to bare anything you want?)
- Austin's ubergamer Richard Garriott launches a new social-networking game company!
![Death, Oil Spill, Lawsuits...But At Least this Weather is Nice [Extra Extra]](http://austinist.com/assets_c/2009/01/nightskyline-thumb-105x105-53663.jpg)
Pecan Street Project Gets $10.4 Million Stimulus Grant
The Pecan Street Project has been awarded $10.4 million in federal grant money to build a "smart-grid" community at the Mueller development in Northeast Austin. The grant money was part of $184.5 million in federal clean-energy stimulus programs announced today by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. Pecan Street is a partnership between the city and high-tech companies to develop clean-energy solutions, such as advanced electric meters on homes and business and electric-car recharging stations. More details to come at a press conference this afternoon. [Statesman Business Blog]
Dell Goes Green With Bamboo Packaging for Netbooks
In an environmentally friendly move, Dell is replacing the paper, plastic, and foam packaging material for two of its computers with inserts made of bamboo.
Bull Creek Dog Park May Be On-Leash This September
If every dog has its day, then that day is Sept. 8 for the free-roaming Fidos at the Bull Creek District Park. Blaming unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria in the unleashed dogs’ fecal waste, the city proposed yesterday to make Bull Creek an on-leash park this September.
China's First (!) Sex Theme Park Closes [News Bits]
Pres. Obama seeks (again) "common ground" with antis Recession threatens child health, safety, education improvements What is it about the green ones? (Industry subtly intrigued by Obama climate plan) Gov. Perry's secession chatter scoring big points against Kay Bailey Uruguay lifts ban on gays in military, crops do not fail Oopsie of the day: Biden reveals location of secret bunker Tasteful, socially beneficial" sex theme park closes in China
Snapshots: Solar Powered Concert [Republic Square Park with Charlie & Bruce Robison]
Every Wednesday through June 10 at the Republic Square Park, there's a concert powered entirely by solar resources. Green rock'n'roll has never sounded better, and these weekly concerts a a double-edged sword of good karma -- every event benefits Blue Dog Rescue. Mellow Johnny's bike shop is providing free 'bike valet' services, so Austinites are able to ride gree, listen green, and give to a good cause, helping animals in local shelters find new homes. Last night's concert featured Bruce Robison and his brother Charlie, lots of beer, and gorgeous weather. Photos courtesy Steve Hopson.
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