Texas Campaign for the Environment: Victories 2008
On January 8, 2008, TCE received word that the three Commissioners of the state environmental agency would have a hearing and decide whether to overturn a decision by their Executive Director Glenn Shankle which would allow the City of Port Arthur to use toxic waste as an alternative daily cover on the City's landfill. The hearing will be January 30, 2008 and a decision will be made by February 26, 2008. The toxic materials made by Newpark Resources is a combination of oil drilling waste and coal plant waste and is too toxic to be put in the landfill as waste. TCE and the local Port Arthur environmental justice group Community In-power and Development Association filed a Motion to Overturn the Executive Director's decision on December 21, 2007.
news: City denied use of questionable substance to cover landfill (Port Arthur News) read article
TCE drafted resolutions on producer takeback recycling, landfill and broader recycling issues passed at March 4 precinct conventions in Dallas, Williamson, Tarrant, Travis, Ellis, Refugio and Denton Counties. Activists will press county, senate district and state conventions to pass resolutions.
As the City of Austin works to develop a regional Zero Waste plan, TCE raised a host of concerns about environmental studies to build a huge new landfill in Eastern Travis County. On March 18, the Austin City Council removed an agenda item to spend thousands more dollars to do more detailed environmental studies on this proposal.
news: TCE Lauds Austin City Council for Dropping Webberville Landfill read article
