Take Care of Texas News You Can Use - April 2013

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TCEQ announces 2013 Texas Environmental Excellence Award Winners

The Texas Environmental Excellence Awards honor individuals, organizations, and businesses that protect our state’s human and natural resources while ensuring clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

This year’s awards recognize 10 projects that provide superior resource conservation, waste reduction, and pollution prevention.

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The 2013 winners are:

  • Valero McKee Refinery
  • Texas Westmoreland Coal Company
  • Associated Air Center, LP
  • Fort Bliss National Cemetery
  • Dow Chemical Company, Texas Operations
  • Lake Conroe Habitat Improvement Project Coalition
  • Texas State University, Bobcat Blend
  • Texas Water Resources Institute, Buck Creek Watershed Partnership
  • Oscar Medina IV
  • Mary Jo Bogatto

The TCEQ commissioners will formally present the awards to the winners at the annual awards banquet on May 1, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. as part of the TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair and Conference at the Austin Convention Center, April 30–May 1. Tickets are available online for $35 each or a reserved table of eight for $280.


Find TV Recycling Opportunities at Texas Recycles TVs

Texans can now find increased recycling opportunities for their old televisions by going to <www.TexasRecyclesTVs.org>. The Texas Recycles TVs program requires TV manufacturers that sell in or into Texas to offer collection opportunities that allow consumers to recycle television equipment without paying a separate fee at the time of recycling. Additionally, a group of manufacturers may choose to form a Recycling Leadership Program and offer at least 200 sites, events, or programs throughout Texas for consumers to recycle their televisions. The program website lists manufacturers with approved collection plans by brand.

The TCEQ encourages consumers to take advantage of television recycling opportunities in 2013. For questions on how to recycle your old television you may call toll free 1-855-TV-Recycle. For more information on the program, visit <www.TexasRecyclesTVs.org> or contact the TCEQ’s Pollution Prevention and Education Section at 512-239-3143.


Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Turns 50 This Year

Fifty years ago the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department was created by the merger of the Texas Game and Fish Commission and the State Parks Board. Since then their mission has been to make "life better outside" in Texas.

The department has set up a 50th anniversary web page where people can share stories and photos about their memorable moments in the Texas outdoors, and thereby inspire others to enjoy nature.

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While online, the agency hopes people will sign up to become a Texas Parks and Wildlife ambassador and pledge to do things like visit state parks, take a kid hunting or fishing, and watch and share a video showcasing what’s made life better outside in Texas.

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“With all the bounty and beauty of our natural places, our parks, our wildlife, and with everything that’s at stake in our state today, we are excited about our 50th birthday,” said TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith, “but we don’t want it to be all about us, and we want to look to the future as we celebrate our past.”

While acknowledging the many contributions of former and current TPWD employees, Smith says the agency wants the half-century celebration to focus on the people who support the department, and to inspire a new generation of supporters.

“We’re a successful organization in large part because of those who support us,” Smith said, “and we can’t fulfill our mission without help. If you love wildlife and parks, step up to be a TPWD ambassador and join us in shaping the Texas outdoors we want to see in the next 50 years.”


Ozone Forecast Season Has Begun

The ozone forecast season for the Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston metropolitan areas began March 1 with Austin, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio following on April 1 and four more areas on May 1.

Ozone forecasts are made daily during the season for each of nine metropolitan areas in Texas. Each forecast is a simple yes or no prediction for the question: Will ozone levels reach or exceed a target level for a particular area?

TCEQ meteorologists use a set of criteria from historic meteorological data, ozone measurements, and ozone-prediction models to make these predictions. When they forecast an Ozone Action Day, the meteorologists contact the National Weather Service, which then broadcasts the information across its weather wire. The agency also contacts officials in all affected areas so that local community clean-air coalitions can notify media, government, business, and industry.

The forecasts are made, in most cases, a day in advance by 2 p.m. local time and are valid for the next day. The only exception is for the Houston area, where the forecast can be updated as late as 9 a.m. local time on the same day that the forecast is in effect.

Learn more about ozone, such as what ozone is, how it is formed, and how to sign up for free e-mail alerts on ozone forecasts here.

In This Issue:

  • TCEQ announces 2013 Texas Environmental Excellence Award Winners
  • Find TV Recycling Opportunities at Texas Recycles TVs
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Turns 50 This Year
  • Ozone Forecast Season Has Begun 

Highlighted TCEQ Publictions

Save Money & The Environment At Home

Save Money and the Environment at Home        (GI-370)

Ten handy tips for conserving and recycling resources while saving money around the house and during the daily commute.

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Connect with Take Care of Texas to find out about environmental events, tips, and interesting tidbits from fellow Texans.


Take Care of Texas Tips

At Home

Wash Full Loads and Use Cold Water
Washing full loads as opposed to partial loads of laundry can save an average household more than 3,400 gallons of water each year.

Around the Office

Buy Recycled-Content Products
Buy products made from, or packaged in, recycled materials, including office supplies. Give preference to items with acceptable percentages of recycled content, especially post-consumer.


Don't Forget...

 

Earth Day, April 22

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Make every day Earth Day. Take our online Pledge to Take Care of Texas. These steps can help maintain air quality and conserve water and energy—all while saving you money. See how you can save money and maintain Texas’ healthy environment! Our built-in calculator can show you ways to save time, energy, and money! It's easy, give it a try.