Texas Campaign for the Environment: News
Click here to see Press Releases sorted by Category or Year
Texas Campaign for the Environment May 15, 2013
Environmentalists Applaud Recycling Expansion But Opposed to City’s “Recycling Scheme”
HOUSTON--Environmentalists applaud Mayor Parker’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Proposal that would expand curbside recycling to 100,000 households, while also urging her office to let curbside recycling work before adopting unproven waste schemes.
Austin Zero Waste Alliance January 30, 2013
Bag to the Future - Citizen Advocates Mark 30-Day Countdown to Austin's Single Use Bag Ordinance
Community leaders and environmental advocates marked the beginning of a 30-day countdown to implementation of Austin’s Single-Use Bag Ordinance by announcing a “Bag to the Future” concert and party, scheduled for February 28th, the day before the new law goes into effect.
TCE May 30, 2012
More than 100 Faith Leaders in All 50 States Call on Walmart to Change E-Waste Policies
As Walmart holds its annual shareholders’ meeting, environmental activists and local clergy are publishing an Open Letter signed by more than 100 faith leaders from all 50 states calling on the retail giant to match their competitors’ programs in electronic waste recycling, back a national policy against the export dumping of electronic waste on developing nations overseas and to work with their suppliers to design greener electronic products.
TCE Fund Press Release March 28, 2012
New Reports Show Texas is a Lightweight When it Comes to Recycling Electronics
Recycling advocates released two new reports which they say both demonstrate how little progress Texas has made in its effort to ramp up recycling programs for toxic electronic waste.
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.
