Texas Campaign for the Environment: News
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TCE November 15, 2011
MEDIA RELEASE: Thousands of Good, Green Jobs Could be Created in Houston
Houston (November 15, 2011) - Today, America Recycles Day, a national report is being released that shows that if the US commits to reaching a 75% recycling rate by 2030, 1.5 million jobs can be created (More Jobs, Less Pollution, http://bit.ly/rNXBdA). The report, More Jobs, Less Pollution, was written by the Tellus Institute, a nonprofit research and policy organization based out of Boston, MA. In Texas, more than 45,000 jobs can be created through the expanded collection and recycling of municipal solid waste. This is more than twice as many jobs as advocates for controversial Keystone XL pipeline claimed would be created in the entire country. Remanufacturing of recycled materials can create thousands of additional jobs
TCE November 15, 2011
MEDIA RELEASE: New Report Shows that Increasing Recycling Will Create 1.5 Million Jobs
Austin, TX- (November 15, 2011) Recycling 75 percent of the nation’s waste will create nearly 1.5 million jobs by 2030 while significantly reducing pollution, saving water and energy, and building economically strong and healthy communities, according to a new study released today by leading labor and environmental groups. The national report, More Jobs, Less Pollution, was released as part of a series of nationwide events celebrating National Recycling Day with events also taking place in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Cleveland, Austin, Houston, and Washington, D.C.
TCE June 16, 2011
MEDIA RELEASE: Texas Finally Has Statewide Television Recycling Law
Environmentalists and local government leaders praised Governor Perry and Texas legislators for passing a bill that will have TV manufacturers take back and recycle obsolete televisions, keeping toxic materials such as lead and mercury out of Texas landfills and water sources. Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 329 into law—unlike in 2009, when Gov. Perry vetoed a similar bill. Advocates count this as one of the rare environmental victories during the 2011 Texas Legislative Session.
TCE May 19, 2011
MEDIA RELEASE: Texas House of Representatives Passes Legislation for Recycling Televisions
Environmentalists and recycling groups are celebrating a victory as a bill to spur recycling for obsolete televisions has passed unanimously through the Texas House of Representatives. The legislation, which has already passed through the Texas Senate, would ensure that all manufacturers selling TVs to Texas consumers will offer recycling programs for all residents. With support from industry groups, local governments and recycling advocates, the bill will soon head to the Governor’s desk.
TCE Fund February 24, 2011
Free e-recycling… but even fewer people know
A follow-up survey to the November 2009 release of “Free e-recycling…but nobody knows,” this study demonstrates that local governments remain uninformed with regard to e-waste recycling and the Texas Computer TakeBack Law.
TCE Fund February 23, 2011
Making TakeBack Work Better in Texas: Second year results of the Computer TakeBack Law and how Texas can do better
The good news is that the e-waste collection amounts reported by the computer manufacturers in 2010 were 60% higher than in 2009. However, four of the 78 companies selling computers in Texas collected 92% of the total showing that the law has not created a level playing field.
TCE February 11, 2011
Producer TakeBack for Computers is Catching On and Texas Needs Similar Recycling for TVs
It’s great to see that the number of pounds of computers recycled by electronics companies nearly doubled in 2010 to 24 million pounds. Texans are showing that producer takeback recycling is catching on. However, most manufacturers still aren't doing their fair share -- just a few companies were responsible for the vast majority of the total amount. It's clear that the law should have more teeth, and it's also time for the Texas Legislature and Governor to have TV-makers take responsibility for the recycling of obsolete TVs.
EIP October 22, 2010
Potential Lawsuit Against LCRA and Fayette County Coal Plant
Texas Campaign for the Environment, the Environmental Integrity Project and Environment Texas put out a press release notifying the media of its intent to sue the LCRA and the Fayette County coal plant over thousands of alleged permit violations
TCE October 19, 2010
Dell Tops Green Electronics Recycling Report Card
Printer Companies Not Making the Grade
(Austin, TX – October 19, 2010) Texas Campaign for the Environment and the Electronics TakeBack Coalition released a new report card today that grades computer, television, printer, and game console companies on their efforts to take back and recycle their old products.
TCE September 30, 2010
Landmark E-Waste Export Bill Introduced to Stop Global E-Waste Dumping
TX Congressmembers, Dell, Apple, Samsung & Environmentalists Backing Bill
(Austin - September 30, 2010) U.S. Representatives Gene Green (D-Houston), John Carter (R-Round Rock), and Mike Thompson (D-Napa) late yesterday introduced new landmark legislation - the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010 - to stop U.S. "sham recyclers" from dumping electronic waste on developing countries. The bill is supported by environmental groups as well as electronic manufacturers Apple, Dell, and Samsung - all of which already have policies that prohibit the export of e-waste to developing nations.
TCE August 9, 2010
Over 700 Concerned Citizens Tell UT: "Don't Trash the Tower!"
On August 25, 2010, TCE held a press conference at the University of Texas to highlight a full-page open letter in the campus paper, The Daily Texan. The letter, signed by more than 700 concerned citizens, addressed UT President, Bill Powers, and called for the halt of the sales of the disposable, UT Tower-shaped plastic water bottles, H2Orange. On this first day of classes at UT, hundreds of fliers were handed out to new and returning students asking them not to buy the unsustainable product and instead, lead the way by choosing to "B. Y. O. V. (Bring Your Own Vessel)" or buy metal canteens or rigid, multi-use plastic bottles.
Even though the names we gathered were already published, we still need your help!
Click here to add your voice!
TCE August 9, 2010
Environmentalists Opposing UT Plastic Water Bottles Arrested on UT Campus
The fight over plans to sell plastic water bottles in the iconic shape of the UT tower has turned ugly with the arrest of a local environmental leader on UT campus Monday afternoon. Robin Schneider, executive director of Texas Campaign for the Environment, was arrested today and taken to an Austin jail for allegedly breaking UT’s policy against soliciting on campus.
Texas Campaign for the Environment August 5, 2010
TCE Applauds Approval of a Short-term Recycling Contract
As the Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director, I applaud the City Council and Solid Waste Services Department on the short-term recycling contract passed unanimously this morning.
TCE Fund May 11, 2010
Making TakeBack Work: First year results of the Computer TakeBack Law and how Texas can do better
TCE March 3, 2010
Governor Perry replies to your letters
Governor Perry replies to a TCE supporter’s letter to his campaign office. Read his reply and TCE's response here.
TCE February 15, 2010
Bill White replies to your letters
Bill White replies to a TCE supporter’s letter to his campaign office. Read his reply and TCE's response here.
TCE February 15, 2010
Kay Bailey Hutchinson replies to your letters
Senator Hutchinson replies to a TCE supporter’s letter to her campaign office. Read her reply and TCE's response here.
TCE press release January 14, 2010
TV Zombies Demand Secession (From Texas Landfills) at Republican Debate
The first debate in the Republican primary actually started a few minutes early when recycling advocates-turned-TV zombies descended on the debate site.
TCE December 30, 2009
2009 was a good year for TCE...and for all Texans who envision a more sustainable future. Thanks to our members and allies, we made significant headway on a number of important trash and recycling issues. Along the way, we also helped secure the appointment of a strong environmental advocate to lead our EPA region and the passage of a constitutional amendment that protects our treasured Texas coastal areas. We cannot thank YOU, our valued grassroots supporters, enough for making this work possible. As always, these victories are yours.
Click here to see TCE's Top 5 victories from 2009
Then...help make 2010 an even better year: Donate now
TCE/PRW November 17, 2009
Most Local Governments Leave Texans in the Dark on Producer Recycling Options
A new report shows an overwhelming majority of cities in Texas fail to provide their residents with information about free manufacturer recycling programs for old computers, televisions and other byproducts of the digital age.
TCE November 5, 2009
Environmental Groups Applaud EPA Choice
Environmental advocates across several states are applauding the Obama Administration’s choice of Dr. Al Armendariz to lead Region 6 of the Environmental Protection Agency. Indeed, many within the environmental community see appointment of Armendariz as indicative of a new approach for the regional EPA.
TCE June 30, 2009
Community Leaders from Across Texas Pledge Go Public with Campaign Against Candidacy of Polluter Lobbyist John Hall to Head Regional EPA Office
Environmental advocates joined together to send a message to the Obama Administration that there is strong opposition to the candidacy of John Hall to head the Regional Office of the EPA. Hall made a series of controversial decisions while heading the Texas environmental agency -- and after leaving the agency, Hall has earned at least $3 million dollars lobbying for polluters.
TCE June 19, 2009
Governor Perry's Veto of TV Recycling Measure Draws Criticism
Environmental advocates and the author of the TV Recycling Bill blasted Governor Perry's veto of the TV recycling measure.
TCE May 27, 2009
Texas Legislature Overwhelmingly Passes Bill for TV Recycling
Texas landfills and waterways could gain a reprieve from a potential avalanche of old televisions following the DTV switch, according to environmental advocates and state lawmakers who are lauding the passage of a bill that requires TV manufacturers to provide Texas residents with free and convenient recycling for their used TVs.
Texas Campaign for the Environment April 22, 2009
Elected Representatives and Non-Profit Advocates Call for Producer TakeBack Law to Provide Free and Convenient TV Recycling
A broad spectrum of Texans came together on Earth Day at the State Capitol to urge for the passage of state legislation that requires TV makers to provide free and convenient recycling for old televisions.
Texas Campaign for the Environment April 21, 2009
Environmental Group Withdrawing from Local Earth Day Event Over Concerns with Fate of Electronics to be Recycled
Celebrating Earth Day by recycling an old computer, TV or other obsolete electronic equipment? According to a local environmental group, some "e-waste recycling" companies are actually exporting toxic electronics to developing countries where they are dumped or burned and are poisoning entire villages.
TCE February 5, 2009
Environmental group sees more recycling opportunities in delay of digital switch
Congress has passed legislation to delay the switch to digital television signals until June 12, 2009, which President Obama is soon expected to sign into law. Texas Campaign for the Campaign for the Environment sees the delay in the digital switch as a valuable opportunity to prevent more TVs that are made obsolete by the switch from ending up in landfills in Texas or dumps worldwide.
TCE January 16, 2009
TCE statement on Austin Cuty Council support for the Zero Waste Plan
Texas Campaign for the Environment is very glad that the Austin City Council voted unanimously today to approve the Austin Zero Waste Strategic Plan as a policy directive to achieve Zero Waste (or darn close to it) by 2040. Austin became the first city to embrace a plan for Zero Waste, but it cannot be the last.
TCE January 15, 2009
City of Austin Becomes First Texas City to Approve a Zero Waste Plan
Central Texans from a variety of communities and walks of life gathered to announce the formation of the Central Texas Zero Waste Alliance at Austin City Hall and to demonstrate their commitment to organizing the region to realize the goal of Zero Waste or Darn Close by 2040.
ETBC September 17, 2008
GAO Releases New Report on Toxic E-Waste Export
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report on electronic waste today during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment. Texas Campaign for the Environment, the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a national coalition of environmental and consumer groups promoting responsible recycling and green design in the electronics industry, applauded the report, hailing it as the U.S. government’s first comprehensive look at the magnitude of the problem of exporting toxic e-waste to developing nations.
TCE September 2, 2008
TCE Statement on Start Up of Computer TakeBack Recycling Law
Why doesn’t your town need to recycle computers anymore? Because the computer makers have to recycle them now.
TCE September 1, 2008
Computer-makers Now Required to Provide Free & Convenient Recycling
Dell, Goodwill, local government leaders and a statewide environmental group gathered to alert consumers to the range of recycling options now that computer-makers are responsible for the end of life of their brand’s computers, monitors, keyboards and mice.
TCE August 27, 2008
Activists Give Waste Management a “Dishonorable Mention” at Protest
Landfill neighbors and environmental activists gathered at the Austin to protest outside the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Business Awards dinner where Waste Management was a finalist for an Environmental Award.
TCE August 7, 2008
Samsung Losing Race to TV Recycling
Texas Campaign for the Environment activists dressed as Olympic athletes set up their own Olympics awards ceremony outside the Samsung semiconductor plant in Austin to give medals to Samsung competitors Sony and LG. Samsung, an Olympics sponsor, did not receive any medals because they have so far failed to offer free nationwide recycling of their TVs and other products.
TCE August 1, 2008
LG Launches New National Free Electronics Recycling Program
Texas Campaign for the Environment and other members of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition praised LG Electronics for its announcement that the manufacturer would begin offering a free, nationwide recycling program for its old unwanted or obsolete products, including old TVs.
TCE July 31, 2008
House of Representatives Considers Resolution to “Ban the Export of Toxic E-Waste to Developing Nations”
Leaders of a campaign to protect the public from toxic chemicals in electronics applauded U.S. Representative Gene Green (D-TX), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, for introducing a congressional resolution today (H.Res.1395) that calls for the U.S. to join other nations in banning the export of toxic e-waste to developing countries.
TCE May 21, 2008
Legislators, Advocates Say Weak E-Waste Standards Fail to Ensure Responsible Recycling
Recycling activists and state legislators expressed disappointment in the final rules adopted by the state environmental agency (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ) for the Texas Computer TakeBack Law. While environmental leaders were pleased that the agency did strengthen the rules originally proposed, they say the standards for responsible recycling remain weak and fail to address the dumping of electronic waste on developing countries around the world.
TCE May 20, 2008
State Environmental Agency to Vote on Rules for Electronic Waste Recycling
On Wednesday May 21, the Texas environmental agency will meet in Austin to vote on final guidelines to implement the new Electronics TakeBack Recycling legislation. State legislators and recycling advocates say that while the proposed rules are good in some areas, they don’t do enough to ensure that the manufacturers will provide environmentally responsible recycling programs for Texans.
TCE May 20, 2008
Unusual Display of Support for Electronic Waste Recycling Unveiled
In a room covered wall to wall and floor to ceiling with the signatures of thousands of North Texans—and with tens of thousands more overflowing throughout the space—environmental advocates called on the state environmental agency to adopt standards that would prevent old computers from being dumped on developing countries.
TCE April 21, 2008
Challenge Central Texans to Join Race to Zero Waste or Darn Close
Remarks of Robin Schneider, Executive Director, Texas Campaign for the Environment It’s time to take recycling to a whole new level. It’s time for companies to design products and packaging for recycling. It’s time for local governments to put the emphasis on setting goals for Zero Waste. It’s time to stop trashing our natural resources and instead create jobs and healthier communities by reusing and recycling on a much higher rate.
TCE April 4, 2008
TCE Lauds Austin City Council for Dropping Webberville Landfill
I commend the Austin City Council for dropping plans to do further environmental studies on the Webberville tract for a landfill.
TCE April 2, 2008
State Environmental Agency Extends its Deadline to Consider Incorporating Stronger Environmental Standards for Electronic Waste Recycling
Environmental leaders were pleased that the three commissioners of the state environmental agency did not approve the rules for the state’s electronics recycling law and instead voted at a hearing today to take more public comment on putting in place mandatory standards on responsible recycling.
TCE April 1, 2008
TCE Grades State Agency on Electronic Waste Recycling
TCE activists unveiled an over-sized “Responsible Recycling Mid-Term Report Card” to the state environmental agency on its proposed guidelines for implementing the new Computer TakeBack Recycling Law.
TCE March 18, 2008
Robin Schneider's Remarks on Proposal to Study a Landfill in Webberville
The question before our region is:
Are we going to get serious about waste prevention or prepare for more over-wasting? Especially when we are making plans for a serious climate protection plan and landfills are the largest human-made source of methane – a greenhouse gas at least 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
TCE February 18, 2008
“Day of the Walking Dead TVs” Highlights Looming Digital TV Switch
Environmental activists and concerned citizens in Texas and throughout the country took to the streets for the “Day of the Walking Dead TVs” to highlight the imminent flood of lead, cadmium, beryllium and other toxins from millions of televisions making their way to landfills and incinerators after February 17, 2009.
Texas Campaign for the Environment February 13, 2008
TCE Applauds Texas Environmental Agency Decision to Deny Port Arthur Permission to Use Toxic Waste to Cover its Landfill
Texas Campaign for the Environment is very glad that the Commissioners of the state environmental agency voted unanimously to deny the City of Port Arthur permission to cover its landfill with toxic waste.
TCE February 1, 2008
Activists Press Samsung to Kick-off TV Recycling
Austin TX – Texas Campaign for the Environment activists dressed in football uniforms and cheerleading outfits staged a press conference outside Samsung’s chip plant to call on the company to “Kick Off TV Recycling” and ”Be an Environmental Patriot Not a Giant Polluter” They chanted, “Take ‘em Back, Take ‘em Back, All Back.”
TCE December 6, 2007
Advocates Encouraged by State Environmental Agency Decision to Seek Broader Input on Guidelines for Upcoming Electronic Waste Recycling Program
Electronics recyclers, local government and environmental leaders gathered at the headquarters of the state environmental agency to call for strong environmental guidelines for the new recycling programs that electronics producers will have to set up to comply with a new Texas law. In response, the three TCEQ Commissioners voted to invite broad comments so that they can consider alternatives that would strengthen the proposed guidelines.
TCE Press Release August 28, 2007
Rejection of Flawed Landfill Contract by Williamson County Commissioners Lauded
Georgetown – Williamson County Commissioners tabled indefinitely a revised contract with Waste Management today after three of the five County Commissioners (Valerie Covey, Cynthia Long and Ron Morrison) expressed opposition to the proposed language.
TCE August 7, 2007
Williamson County Residents, Citizen Groups Oppose Controversial Landfill Contract
Many residents, groups and organizations arrived at Tuesday’s Williamson County Commissioners Court hearing to oppose a new contract and expansion of the county landfill.
TCE July 11, 2007
Coalition Emerges to Address Critical Williamson County Landfill Issues
A growing coalition of organizations and individuals called “A Better Wilco” has emerged in an effort to encourage
TCE June 17, 2007
TCE Applauds Gov. Perry for Signing the Texas Computer TakeBack Bill
We are thrilled that Governor Perry has made Texas the seventh state in the nation, and fourth in less than two months, to enact a law holding computer companies accountable for taking back their old products for recycling and disposal,” said Robin Schneider, Executive Director of Texas Campaign for the Environment, which has been working on the electronic waste issue since 2002.
TCE May 31, 2007
Activists Deliver Letters and Over-sized Pen with Message for Governor Perry to Sign the Computer TakeBack Legislation
More than a dozen environmental activists with a “No to Trashing E-Waste” display and a gigantic signing pen rallied at the Governor’s Mansion today. They proceeded to march to the Capitol to deliver letters from Texans calling on Governor Perry to support the Texas Computer TakeBack Bill (HB 2714) and advocate for TV recycling legislation in 2009.
TCE May 25, 2007
Electronics Recycling Bill Clears the Texas State Legislature without A Dissenting Vote
Bill Would Require Computer Producers to Be Responsible for Recycling Their Products
The Texas State Legislature passed HB 2714 (Bonnen) today when the Texas House of Representatives voted to concur with amendments made in the Texas Senate.
TCE May 24, 2007
TCE Statement at Public Meeting on Proposed Expansion of NE Travis County BFI Landfill
Statement of Texas Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Robin Schneider at the Public Meeting on the Expansion of the BFI Sunset Farms Landfill in Northeast Travis County
May 24, 2007
TCE May 22, 2007
Gauntlet of TV-bearing Activists to Urge Housemembers to Press for TV Recycling
Digital TV Transition to Create an Avalanche of Obsolete TVs in Feb. 2009
More than a dozen environmental activists carrying TVs will form a gauntlet at the entrance to the floor of the Texas House of Representatives to encourage House members to request that State Rep. Dennis Bonnen include TVs in his electronic waste recycling bill. Currently, House Bill 2714 covers computers, monitors and laptops.
Computer TakeBack Campaign May 2, 2007
Steve Jobs Issues Statement on Apple’s Environmental Commitments
Environmentalists Applaud Gains on Materials, But Challenge Claims on Export
Just a week before Apple’s annual meeting – where shareholders will vote on two shareholder-sponsored resolutions pushing Apple to do better on e-waste recycling and green product design – Steve Jobs issued a statement today about Apple’s environmental record and future plans.
TCE April 26, 2007
Electronics Recycling Bill Passes Key Senate Committee Unanimously
Bill Would Require Computer Producers to Be Responsible for Recycling Their Products
The Senate Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously today to pass Senate Bill 1364 (Watson D-Austin). The bill would require computer makers to provide consumers with convenient and free recycling.
TCE April 11, 2007
“Old Computers and TVs Should Meet Their Makers,” Says Broad Alliance of Recyclers, Cities and Environmental Groups
Electronics recyclers, local government officials and environmental leaders gathered on the steps of the State Capitol and called for passage of legislation to require computer and television makers to provide consumers with convenient and free recycling.
Computer TakeBack Campaign February 27, 2007
States Take on E-Waste Problem
Bills to solve the problem of what do to with the mounting piles of electronic waste are already under consideration in 21 state legislatures, plus the city of New York.
