October 1, 2017
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In the midst of Harvey’s destruction, we see a ray of hope: a different way of doing things by supporting community organizations and movement building across environmental and social justice. Because of you, we’ve been able to raise more than $170,000 for Harvey relief. That’s monumental. Of that, we’ve distributed more than $50,000 to frontline organizations to date. This is how the money we've disbursed so far has been
helping
those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
To learn more about the initial decision to raise funds for #AJustHarveyRecovery, give this blog a read.
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Last year, despite major opposition from local Indigenous groups and thousands of Texans, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved the renewal and expansion of a permit that allows the Dos Republicas coal mine to dump water polluted with toxic chemicals and heavy metals into Elm Creek, which feeds directly into the Rio Grande River.
The Maverick County Environmental and Public Health Association is taking lead on challenging the wastewater discharge permit, which puts 25,000 acres of land and the Rio Grande River at risk of being polluted by toxic discharges of chemicals and heavy metals. Come stand with us on Oct. 5 in opposition to the Dos Republicas coal mine.
We need your support to make sure that the voices of Eagle Pass residents and Native peoples are heard.
The Maverick County Environmental and Public Health Association is taking lead on challenging the wastewater discharge permit, which puts 25,000 acres of land and the Rio Grande River at risk of being polluted by toxic discharges of chemicals and heavy metals.
We need your support to make sure that the voices of Eagle Pass residents and Native peoples are heard.
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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has put out a call for public comments on 60 miles of new border wall infrastructure in the Rio Grande Valley. Border walls are symbols of colonization, racism and xenophobia. They cut off access to wildlife habitat and trails, and they worsen flooding.
Please submit a comment by Oct. 20, 2017 to CBP and Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn to demand no border walls and better transparency for RGV border communities.
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Despite the threat of both federal and state governments condoning anti-immigrant rhetoric and legislation, South Texas border communities are taking matters into their own hands to organize against division and racism. In case you missed it, seven border towns passed anti-border wall resolutions this month in a single day.
Here's a reflection from our Valley Organizer Bekah Hinojosa on the "Super Tuesday"'s events, along with a tutorial on what it takes to pass your own border wall resolution in your city.
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TOPS ON FACEBOOK
- "One environmental issue after another in #PortArthur." Photo of today's Valero explosion by Hilton Kelley.
- Congress: Harvey relief MUST address the needs of frontline communities and not fund a border wall.
- Our Water Resources Program Manager Jennifer Walker talked to CNN about water contamination post-#Harvey.
- Were you left wondering what happened to the "tree bill" during the #TXLege's special session?
- Living in one of the most polluted neighborhoods in the U.S., Manchester residents already experience tangible health issues and concerns pre-Harvey. Now, the hurricane is exacerbating existing environmental injustice.
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We recently said bye (and happy retirement) to our beloved Jerome Collins after a dedicated 13 years with the Texas team. Although he could never be "replaced," we're so excited to have Natalie on board!
A native Texan hailing from the Gulf Coast shores of Corpus Christi, Natalie recently moved back to Texas from southern California and could not be happier to be home!
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TOPS ON TWITTER
- We definitely still do. We've began the process of cutting checks to frontline orgs. Thank you all and keep the $$$ coming.
- "One environmental issue after another in #PortArthur." Photo of today's #Valero explosion by Hilton Kelly.
- We've raised over $170,000 for #Harvey relief, $51,500 of which we’ve granted so far to frontline orgs. Thank you.
- Wait... you mean, safety regulations for #chemicalplants exist for a reason? #Harvey #Arkema #ArkemaChemicalPlant
- Heartbreaking.
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Neighbors living in the Piney Woods region of East Texas breathed a collective sigh of relief when the Railroad Commission of Texas recently denied an application by Common Disposal to operate a vast commercial oil and gas waste facility located near the tributaries of the Neches River just upstream from the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Read more about the initial victory here.
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TOPS ON INSTAGRAM
Tell us @realdonaldtrump, how do you plan on ensuring #AJustHarveyRecovery? @sierraclub Beyond Coal Senior Campaign Rep @chrissy_lou_tx among a coalition of individuals, organized by @instavisibleatx, outside of the DPS headquarters where Trump is currently speaking on #Harvey relief efforts in Austin, Texas. #atx #HurricaneHarvey #disasterrelief #disasterprevention #demonstration #TrumpInTexas #protest #environmentaljustice
Do you have a photo you'd like to share with our growing Instagram community?
Send it over to Lone Star Chapter Comms Coordinator Larisa Manescu at larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org and be sure to follow us @TexasSierraClub.
Join us, along with our Texas Living Waters Project partners, for a night of river storytelling, Oct. 19, 6-8:30pm!
Share your #MyTexasRiver story and learn from others through stories as you enjoy our Living Waters short film premiere, Q&A fireside with river specialists, and a special river-themed song by Dana Falconberry.
We’ll talk about how to get out and explore your river, and how to use your experiences to protect our rivers for wildlife, for our kids, and for all the adventures to come.
Share your #MyTexasRiver story and learn from others through stories as you enjoy our Living Waters short film premiere, Q&A fireside with river specialists, and a special river-themed song by Dana Falconberry.
We’ll talk about how to get out and explore your river, and how to use your experiences to protect our rivers for wildlife, for our kids, and for all the adventures to come.
Plus: Spread the river love by entering our River Kit raffle and bringing your bandannas, jean jackets or other sturdy textiles to get some river-themed stitches designed by the Fort Lonesome artists.
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Donate To The Lone Star Chapter
When you donate to the Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter, you support local efforts to:
- Protect wild and treasured places, from the Big Bend area to the Big Thicket
- Keep our air and water clean
- Ensure adequate water supply for people and environment
- Ensure a clean energy future
- Reduce climate disruption
- Keep pressure on politicians and corporations to ensure safe and healthy communities