Agenda for Coastal Bend Sierra Club group October 19, 2022 meeting - Draft

1. Approval of minutes for September 21, 2022 meeting. Table until next month.

2. Treasurer's report — Teresa Carrillo. Table until next month.

3. Report on the website — Teresa K walked through with Bob. This position is open. Contact Jim if interested.

4. Membership report—Lois Huff. Sept added 13 for a total of 411 memberships and a total of 462 members.

5. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter -Teresa Klein said SC ExCom meeting in Austin with fund raiser Nov 12^th. 6:30-9pm. Becky Moeller is wining an award. Oct 24-25 in Rio Grande Valley someone is coming to review what is going on down there. Local groups can’t oppose renewable energy projects without national approval. Other groups want us to sign on to a letter opposing this (see other business). Eli McKay said they are looking for 2 people to be nominated for at-large positions. Armon is meeting with Al Gore coming up.

6. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. Tabled until next month.

Old Business:

7. Outreach to TAMUCC Green Team — Jim suggested we could provide food for future events/meeting. John Weber said the meeting was well attended and had excellent speakers presenting about environmental justice for people of different races. Chispa has a new office at 1001 Ayers.

8. Joint efforts with NextGen America — Eli McKay. She will keep us posted if she needs any help. She will let us know of any cool events. Jim asked about the city event downtown for Day of the Dead. She will let us know if they will have anyone there. Armon asked about any environmental events. None that we are aware of but there could be some. Jim will check.

9. CBSC Political Committee. Nancy didn’t submit the materials needed to be endorsed. Checks were from Texas Sierra Club. The SC sent out an email today for the endorsed candidates.

10. Corpus Christi electric vehicle rally, Oct. 2 (DMC Kostoryz/Staples). We had 17 vehicles and about 75 people attend. Everyone seemed engaged with each other. NextGen signed up about 5 people and 4 vehicles were emissions tested. A handful of new people signed up at the SC table. Lois brought up cost of post cards vs attendance. We will discuss before next year’s event. Armon asked about digital adds for next year. Lois and Jim will talk about names that signed up for more information at the event.

New Business:

11. Flint Hills Resources CC, LLC air permit amendment. Patrick has filed for a public meeting and they have met with them. They had the permit reviewed and it is a major permit. They got a response from TCEQ and TCEQ threw everything out. They found some leaking tanks. Just 2 miles downwind is a school. Comments need to be in soon. They have more imagery coming soon. The VOCs at Hillcrest are 60k, at Ingleside are 6k and at Port A are 10 in what they have found. The air permit process is important for us to get involved. Benzene has been found at the fence line. Cancer rates are very high and life expectancy are terrible in the area. Citizen are monitoring because TCEQ isn’t. 70 years old is the life expectancy by refinery row and 10 miles to the east it is 85 years old. Editorial on 2 weekends ago. Oct 29^th comments due. Jim asks for a motion for us to write a letter in opposition. Teresa made a motion. Armon 2^nd. Lois brought up about national and solar. All voted in favor of the motion unanimously. Coastal Watch is doing a lot of research on the permits. They want to have a workshop and would like us to attend when they have it.

12. Patrick wants us to know about Enbridge wanting to mow down a wildlife area to put up a solar farm to power a hydrogen project with supposed carbon capture. School board meeting on Monday in Ingleside. He will send information to Jim. They want letters to oppose and the 313 is coming up. They want to know the science behind it. Cheniere’s 313 was voted for unanimously. Lois wondered it we can invite the Green Team. Jim will ask them on Friday.

13. Buckeye Texas Hub, LLC wastewater permit. In Corpus Christi to discharge 5,000 treated waste water into the inner harbor. We need to wait until draft permit is finalized.

14. Magellan application- In Corpus Christi by refinery row. They own pipelines and storage tanks and terminals. It is a renewal for an existing operational permit. They will be expanding from Houston to El Paso. Lois asked if storage tanks are checked for leaks. Patrick has been checking. The last time they checked for leaks they found many. Jim got about 2 days ago. Please look over when you have time. Lois found we are already outside our time to comment.

15. Other- Climate Strike 4-5:30 pm 1^st and 3^rd Friday of the month at City Hall.
Lois asked about the solar panel issue. She suggested putting it on roofs before farms. Jim spoke about solar shades for parking lots. Teresa spoke about solar ready homes in the building codes and EV ready homes. Other cities in Texas are pushing for changes in building codes. The building standards board has 2 vacancies. Teresa will send letter out for us to review regarding the solar farms.

Lois motions to adjourn and Teresa 2^nd. All in favor.

8:04

Agenda for Coastal Bend Sierra Club group August 17, 2022 meeting

1. Approval of minutes for July 20, 2022 meeting. Errol motions, Teresa K 2nds to approve. Teresa C asked about downward trend of membership to Lois. Lois will research and get back to Teresa C next month. All voted in favor.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. $400 in member donations came in and $150 went out For the Greater Good. $50 from Sierra Club national. All else stayed the same. Errol motions and Lois 2nd we accept treasurer’s report. All voted in favor.

3. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. No new content.

4. Membership report—Lois Huff. We added 15 new members in July. We dropped 13 members for July. Total members are 481.
 
5. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Eli McKay, Teresa Klein. Teresa K states the state chapter is looking at coastal issues and is working on a proposal with national. There is interest in the Coastal Bend area. Lois mentioned Claudia may not have been the best fit when she was helping with Las Brisas. They are looking for award nominations for this year. Even reporters can be nominated. Teresa K will send out to the group. Nominations can come from anyone and organizations can be nominated as well as people per Teresa C.

6. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. NA

Old Business:

7. Lone Star Sierra Club chapter in Corpus Christi, July 23-24. Jay Kleberg attended. The land office has more power than many people think. The Sierra Club has endorsed him.

8. CBSC fundraiser for For the Greater Good, July 24. At Jeanne Adams  house. Errol thought it was great.

9. Gulf of Mexico Youth Climate Summit, July 29-30. Armon and Maggie organize the summit. People from all over the world attended. It was the 2nd annual event.

10. Outreach to TAMUCC Green Team—Jim Klein. He hasn’t reached out because of summer vacation. Teresa K suggested to speak with Maggie about it. Maybe provide food for one of their meetings.

11. Joint efforts with NextGen America—Eli McKay. Jim said there is a new organizer in town. Elida and Chloe are coming back from Germany because the Germans are receiving much of the LNG that comes from our area.

New Business:

12. CBSC Political Committee. Jim has filed for office so will turn over to Bob and Becky to discuss. Bob asked for Jim send Becky the last questionnaire. Cara did it last time with Robin. Matt Johnson at Lone Star and David Griggs are good resources. Teresa K will e-mail the contact information to Bob. Jim and Teresa K cannot be part of the questions asked. If someone doesn’t return one, they can’t be endorsed. Sept 2 it was sent out in the past and ask for it returned on Sept 10th. Bob sent out who was endorsed on Oct 2nd last time.

13. Corpus Christi electric vehicle rally, Oct. 2 (DMC Kostoryz/Staples). Jim brought up doing advertising on radio or Facebook. Teresa K brought up getting on a radio show. John will send links to TxDOT and IRA summary. Jim will speak with some of the radio people. Becky knows a gospel show that might talk about it. Lois suggested to have it as a membership meeting for other Sierra Club members. Solar installers are welcome that are not fly by night. Becky will check with UAW to bring a truck to the event. Heat pump installers are welcome as well. CAPE can table. Becky will ask some labor people as well. John suggested $300 on ads. Errol wants to find out the total scope of the event before firming up ad budget. Errol is ok with $300 limit without postcard expense. Jim will reach out to radio stations. Post cards will be about $250 per Lois.

14. Other issues: New person on the call, Julie, is interested in education. Julie is part of Surfriders. She wants to meet other like-minded people and find out what is going on. Teresa K suggest Errol speak about 313. In our area there are 10 applications pending but actually 20-25 or more around our area. 5 of them are for solar farms. 5 are related to petrol/chem companies. Padre Solar is a 2,000-acre solar farm and Enbridge wants to build their own farm for their own electricity. Electro-fuels sounds like green hydrogen. A carbon capture project. Lots of speculative crap. Go to local school districts and speak with them about the applications. Lois asks what school districts get? If they grant the 313, the school district grants a 10 year tax abatement for M&O. It limits what the industry pays in taxes. The district accepts a $30 million limit and the state will ensure certain funds will be given to them per student. Errol is working on a study. The cost for the life of an agreement for just one company is a billion dollars.

Errol motions, Lois 2nd, meeting adjourned at 8:12pm

Agenda for Coastal Bend Sierra Club group July 20, 2022 meeting

1. Approval of minutes for June 15, 2022 meeting. Teresa K moves and Eli 2nds all in favor except Errol abstains.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. NA

3. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. He posted a blog post about an LNG expansion. Good article.

4. Membership report—Lois Huff. 471 total members currently. A slight downward trend. Teresa K brought up the renewals come out way too early. She wonders if other groups are seeing the same. Errol has gotten a renewal now and his membership expires next spring. Eli and Teresa will comment at the Lone Star Chapter. Lois also brought up the environmental impact of the gifts.

5. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Eli McKay, Teresa Klein. The meeting is this Saturday. Meeting in brand new building in center of campus off of Ayers and Fern. C building to 3rd floor, D303-304. Building open at noon. 1pm-3pm ExCom meeting. Possible outings training or organization after 3pm-5pm. Fund raiser at Jean’s house at 7pm-9pm For the Greater Good. Toxic Tour on Sunday morning. Still waiting for a time in the morning. Maybe 9am? Errol’s part will take an hour and 5-10 minutes. Multiple cars will create a problem with the tour. Less vehicles the better. Need to find a meeting place. Patrick’s place at about 10:15am for boat tour. Likely be done by 12:30pm. Silent Auction and check writing at fundraising event Saturday evening. Errol was thinking of sending it out to the CAPE membership. Jim thinks it would be ok to send out to CAPE members. Bob will post on the website. Teresa will put on Facebook. Eli thanks Teresa K and Jim for all their work.

6. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. NA

Old Business:

7. Tabling at Wednesday Farmers Market—Jim Klein. Doing it again the next month. Lois brought up bringing some of the stuffed animals to the fundraiser.

8. Facebook administrator for CBSC page. Teresa K will post the fundraiser. Eli brought up sharing to others.

9. Outreach to TAMUCC Green Team—Jim Klein. He sent something to them last week and hasn’t heard back.

10. Joint efforts with NextGen America—Eli McKay. A new organizer was hired and another will be hired. Their focus is young people on campus.

11. Outings: outreach to the Green Alliance of Alice—Teresa Klein. She hasn’t heard back from them and will try to contact them again.

New Business:

12. Lone Star Sierra Club chapter in Corpus Christi, July 23-24. Covered already, see above.

13. Port channel dredging application, comments due July 25. Jim is putting comments together. It looks like they are being put off until August 8th or 9th. Errol said the extension was granted because of input. The Army added 33 more documents or 1,000 pages today. He hasn’t seen them yet. He thinks the comment period should be extended because of the new documents. Jim brought up they should have another public meeting and it be closer to the people impacted. Errol says we could challenge if the lawyers agree.

14. Earth Justice discussion of Blue Water. Errol updated on the meeting of the attorneys. They gave a presentation of Blue Water and the issues. 55 miles of pipeline and 17 miles underwater, and emissions. VOC will be more than all the refineries in Texas combined. They don’t want any air emission controls. There might be another draft or there might not. If a permit is issued. We have 60 days to appeal to the 5th circuit. They spoke about standing, direct harm and indirect harm. He would like their power point to share. If an organization is to qualify, a formal group, bi-laws, or more grass roots organization with membership and low-income representation. The meeting was very productive.

15. Gulf of Mexico Youth Climate Summit, July 29-30. Jim will pass on the Zoom information when he gets it. They want someone to present on the history of the Gulf Coast. Let Jim know if you know someone that can do it. It will be on the 30th.

Corpus Christi electric vehicle rally, Oct. 2 (DMC Kostoryz/Staples). All going well. Lois suggested bring flyers to Saturday fundraiser.

17. Other issues. Teresa K is working on an outfit for TCE. They have prize money. Contested case hearing was granted standing for water rights for the port’s desal plant intake. They granted standing for a water front property. They have some funds for legal. Hillcrest may not get standing for the City’s inner harbor desal. Errol brought up John is on air board meeting. Elida shared TCE is hosting an organizer training on Saturday at their office. She will share this information.

Errol motions and Teresa K 2nd to adjourn at 7:54pm.

Agenda for Coastal Bend Sierra Club group June 15, 2022 meeting

1. Approval of minutes for May 18, 2022 meeting. Teresa K motions, Bob 2nd, all in favor.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. No changes.

3. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. Looks good.

4. Membership report—Lois Huff, N/A. Jim posts list of new members on Zoom for viewing. He also posted a list of expired members. Teresa K brought up how national sends renewals too early and then not as the membership is expiring.

5. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Eli McKay, Teresa Klein. Something big is coming. Eli reports the next in person ex-com meeting will be in Corpus Christi. Teresa K suggests a Holiday Inn on the Island on the beach. She isn’t sure what we want to highlight while they are here, the beauty or the beast. Eli said maybe focus on desal. It is possible to use a large B and B for meeting space. The state should pay the costs. Bob, likes them staying out on the Island. Neil said the Holiday Inn in July 23rd and 24th will be the peak season. Teresa K said we can rent a room at Del Mar. Eli thinks 30-40% of the people will make it. Teresa K and Eli will work together to figure something out. Botanical Garden meeting room is a good option. 15-25 people are expected. Botanical Garden is the first choice and go from there. Teresa K wants to get it done within the next week or so. Eli gave feedback from a meeting. She said they did breakout sessions by color of state. Some people have a negative view of the Sierra Club in red states. She will attend annual retreat. In Texas it is likely people are unaware of what the Sierra Club does. Neil believes the Sierra Club is viewed as a California organization. Neil was impressed by a Sierra Club person when he was in Austin. There are lobby groups trying to organize farmers and ranchers against renewable energy projects. Jim said there are some negatives from the oil and gas industries and policy makers supporting them.

6. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. NA

Old Business:

7. Tabling at Wednesday Farmers Market—Jim Klein. The purpose is to raise the awareness of the Sierra Club. Teresa K suggests a welcome call, letter or e-mail for people that sign up. We had some new sign ups. Most people are unaware of the Sierra Club here. We are normally there from 5pm-7pm.

New Business:

8. Nurdle update-Neil McQueen. Notes from meeting in Austin. The local scientists are doing excellent work here. Diane Wilson sued Formosa Plastics and got a settlement because of the nurdle discharges. $50 million to stay in the community. They are trying for zero discharge. Every time a pellet is found a fine is paid and goes back into the community. Jace created nurdlepatrol.org. You can view current information there. Inland nurdles are being found by railroad tracks. TCEQ has been embarrassed by the findings. They drafted a bill and it was filed that said all plastics companies should be zero discharge. They met with TCEQ people and let them know how many supporters they have. They had an attorney and other people help write the bill. Pre-production plastic discharge is prohibited in a rule change that hasn’t passed yet. Jace and Neil submitted public comments. Only 4 people made comment on the rule. It is for visible plastic. It is defined in scientific literature. Sweeping or spraying into storm water is not allowed. They have to be classified as class 2 solid waste. They need penalties to be significant. If filters used, they have to work. They must withstand a 100-year 24-hour storm. Federal legislation hasn’t been moving through congress but one part has been broken out regarding pre-production plastics.

9. Facebook administrator for CBSC page. Eli is ok to be added as an administrator. Teresa K will add her.

10. Outreach to TAMUCC Green Team—Jim Klein. Nothing new to report at this time.

11. CBSC EV charging station—John Weber. John motions, Bob 2nd, all voted in favor of giving the charger to Neil.

12. Joint efforts with NextGen America—Eli McKay updates us on the trash we picked up. 59 lbs. were picked up at Suter Wildlife Area. She will be overseeing the organizers in Corpus.

13. Outings: outreach to the Green Alliance of Alice—Teresa K reached out to Daniel. They have a lake that was overgrown and filled with trash. There was a fishing contest recently. She is thinking when it is cooler, we can help with a cleanup. She will let us know. Jim likes to get things done on outings. Jim is open to other ideas.

14. Other issues. National Drive Electric Week date Oct 2nd for this year. Jim has been on a couple of radio shows and can promote the event.

Bob motioned to adjourn at 7:50pm and Teresa 2nd, all voted in favor to adjourn.

Agenda for Coastal Bend Sierra Club group May 18, 2022 meeting

1. Approval of minutes for April 20, 2022 meeting. Teresa K motioned, Bob 2nd. All approved.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. A $50 ad check cashed and garage sale money deposited. CD coming due in June. Jim motions to roll over to a 1 year. Bob 2nd motion. All approved. Jim will contact Teresa.

3. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. Bob added a blog post and link to an excellent website. Eli will put together a post for an upcoming clean-up on Facebook. We will discuss the Facebook people more next month regarding who has access. Bob will send email out for the clean-up.

4. Membership report—Lois Huff. List of new and expired members. If anyone knows them, please reach out to them. Teresa to bring up membership renewal timing with the Lone Star Chapter. Invite new members to the clean-up.

5. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter, Lone Star chapter retreat recap—Eli McKay, Teresa Klein. Retreat on May 1st. They want to develop activist volunteers. Jim has an idea of reaching out to other local groups including college green teams. We could possibly provide food for young people groups. They want to increase membership by 10%. They are also focusing on fundraising. We need to start looking at local candidates willing to run for office. They spoke about doing outings. We would need a trained and certified person if we start doing outings. Teresa was pushing the desal with the Lone Star Chapter. We will discuss outings again at the June meeting as well as linking up with other local groups. They were thinking about a meeting here or at the Big Bend area. We would need a meeting room. We could do a boat tour.

6. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. Not present.

Old Business:

7. Tabling at Wednesday Farmers Market—Jim Klein. Did not give anything away for donations. We did get some names to contact. Some young people signed up. Next month is June 8th.

8. CAPE presentation on desalination to Nueces Co. Commissioners Court—Errol Summerlin. Was scheduled for May 11th. May have been rescheduled.

New Business:

9. SD 27 run-off election (May 24). Early voting now. Get out and vote.

10. Lone Star endorsement of Jay Kleberg (TGLO Commissioner). We can invite him to our EV event. John will find dates for this year’s event by the June meeting.

11. EV charger discussion if we want to give to Neil for a donation. We will vote on at the June meeting. Both colleges haven’t accepted the charger we have offered to donate.

12. Joint efforts with NextGen America: Clean-up at Suter Wildlife Refuge (May 27, 10 am-1 pm)—Eli McKay. Friday morning. We have reached out to other groups as well. We will provide something cool to drink and maybe food.

13. CPSC Political Committee. Becky Moeller agreed to be part of the group. Eli and Teresa are on the committee as well. Bob will help with the effort. Let us know if you know of anyone that would be interested in running for any office. We are focusing on mayor and city council at this time. Maybe Jim, Robert Carrington, Alex Armon, Silvia, Guy, and others. There is support out there if someone is interested.

14. Other issues. UN June 18th sustainable food day. Jim spoke on KRIS about the Flint Hills Refinery air emissions earlier this week. Teresa K brought up an ask regarding a fuel price gouging bill. She will send it out to see if you are interested. Jim will be on a radio show from 11am-noon on Friday. He will send out the station info.

Bob motions to adjourn, Jim 2nd adjourned at 7:50pm.

Agenda for Coastal Bend Sierra Club group April 20, 2022 meeting

1. Approval of minutes for March 16, 2022 meeting. Teresa K motioned and Eli 2nd. All in favor.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. No update.

3. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. Bob added an event calendar.

4. Membership report—Lois Huff. No update.

5. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Eli McKay, Teresa Klein. Eli mentioned a retreat coming up on the 30th. There is a virtual option. Eli will try to make it. Jim and Teresa K will try to attend as well in some fashion. Teresa K met with political committee. They are working on a new district and let Teresa K know if you want to help. Matt Johnson is the contact.

6. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger.

Old Business:

7. Tabling at Wednesday Farmers Market—Eli McKay. She had a lot of fun and thought it was useful. She wants to do it again. They didn’t raise any money. The purpose is to raise awareness of the local club. The 11th of May is our next event from about 5pm until about 7pm.

8. Earth Day Bay Day recap. Raised $100. The aloes were a big hit. We need to contact people shortly before they lose interest. Eli will do it. Much thanks to her!

9. Joint efforts with NextGen America—Eli McKay. She was thinking about a beach clean-up. Jim was thinking Suter Park for a clean-up. Maybe around the 3rd week of May.

10. Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources interview with Coastal Bend residents April 3—Errol Summerlin. April 3rd event. They started early. 13 journalists from all over the world. They got a boat tour with 4 boats. They also took a tour bus through the belly of the beast and then spent a couple hours with a panel presentation. Errol is hoping for follow up. Errol will continue to stay in touch and one wants to return shortly. Errol said it went very well. They were most interested in the personal stories.

New Business:

11. CAPE presentation on desalination to Nueces Co. Commissioners Court. Coming up in May around the 13th. We were granted 15 minutes to present an alternative to use ground water. The city is selling 20 million gallons a day to Exxon. Patrick will present. Bob brought up that one facility is 25% of our water use.

12. City Council granted Bootstrap Energy an IDA. City passed both phases. 600 MW use for both. What can we say? They were given all the information needed to make an intelligent decision.

13. Turn Texas Green 2022. Matt Johnson from the Lonestar Chapter is trying to get a political lay of the land. He spoke last night. We are in an area they want to focus on. They want to find out who to support. Eli doesn’t think the council did a good. She wants to help turn out the vote. They will be doing a fund raising at some point in the future. Make sure check is written for political action if that is where you want it to go.

14. Lone Star chapter retreat, April 30-May1.

15. Other issues. City Council passed 9-0 against the Port Commission for funds for desalination. The City is saying the Port is bringing attention to the City’s desalination plants. The City is requesting the Port withdraw applications for SWIFT money and water plants.
Dona Park empty lots. Could they be used as a carbon sink? 16 lots are owned but they are not next to each other. There are about 300 homes in the neighborhood. They are not safe for people to live there.

Teresa K motioned, Errol 2nd. We adjourned at 7:36pm.

Agenda for Coastal Bend Sierra Club group March 16, 2022 meeting (via Zoom) at 6:35pm

1. Approval of minutes for February 16, 2022 meeting. Thanks to Eli! John motions, Teresa K seconds. All in favor to approve minutes from last month.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. A check for Earth Day Bay Day has gone through. All else the same. One check is still outstanding.

3. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. No report this month.

4. Membership report—Lois Huff. No report this month.

5. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Eli McKay, Teresa Klein. Nothing at this time. A meeting coming up Monday.

6. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. No report this month.

Old Business:

7. Tabling at Wednesday Farmers Market. Jim signed us up for once a month. It will be the 2nd Wednesday of the month. April 13th at 5pm will be the first one. We give stuff animals away for a donation. The main reason is to get new members.

8. Purchase of $50 business card sized ad in the program for the Nueces County Democratic Party Convention. It is coming up this Saturday. Eli sent it to Becky and Jim. We reached out to the Republican Party but they don’t have a program.

9. Earth Day Bay Day—April 9 at Heritage Park. We need to check in with them. John will do. Milkweeds? Lois connected with Johnny French but the milkweed died. We can use aloe as a Plan B. Still looking for a car salesman. Teresa K and Lois and Eli and Elida will work on. QR codes? Eli will work on. 9am set up needs to be done and 4pm is teardown. Lois suggested we give out envelopes of seeds. Possibly put stickers on envelopes with the seeds in them. Let Jim know who can help out.

10. Joint efforts with NextGen America—Eli McKay. Jim would like to help her out. Eli reports it is going well. She is waiting on stickers with QR codes. She is tabling at A&M, Del Mar, Art Walk, the Greater Good event and others.

11. SC garage sale—March 12 at 3501 Monterrey St. Made around $250. Going to have a second sale on Friday morning 8am-noon. Set up at 7:45am. Teresa C will bring coffee. Left overs to the Greater Good event on Saturday or to another place. For the Greater Good is more of a tabling event than a garage sale. New donations available until Friday morning. Sister made a $50 donation.

12. National journalists will be meeting with Errol for a tour and interview. April 3rd. Let Jim know if interested.

13. Election of officers. It is suggested to have staggered 2-year terms. Teresa C Treasure, Jim Chairman, John Secretary, Bob Webmaster, Lois Membership, Eli Vice-chair, Liaison to Lonestar Chapter Teresa K. Motion by Lois, 2nd by Elida. All voted in favor. Conservation Chair and Political Chair open at this time. Jim will table the issue and check with Lonestar to see about the staggered 2 year terms.

14. Other issues. Lois brought up Ukraine and the environmental impact of war. Teresa K suggested that a transition to renewables would ensure countries are not hostage to fossil fuel exporting countries. Eli has been in contact with Europeans regarding LNG. Also, she brought up plugging wells no longer in use. Lois would like more messaging regarding renewables. Eli let Germans know about green hydrogen and the impacts of it and water use. Teresa K says national SC supports green hydrogen other than for industrial buildup. Our next meeting is April 20th. May 18th is the meeting after. The link for Zoom is a repeating link per Teresa K. Jim is coming back to Lois’s original point regarding the environmental impact of war. Lois suggested international trips have a fee that goes to protect nature as part of the trip charge. Also, that we should bring the fee up to the Lonestar Chapter to bring up to the national club. A native disabled Oklahoma woman is running for office. Lois brought up we could vet people. Nominations due by April 27th. Lois suggested we bring up at the April meeting. You can vote for up to 5 people. Lonestar may have some suggestions or at least conversation. Teresa K is reading a good book about bugs. We need more diversity of bugs.

Teresa K motions and Eli 2nds meeting adjourned 7:48pm

Sierra Club - Coastal Bend Chapter Meeting Notes -CBSC Meeting Via Zoom

 

2.16.2022 6:30 PM

Attendees: Jim Klein, Teresa Klein, Errol Summerlin, Elida Castillo, Eli McKay, Michele Baker, Alex Ortiz (Lone Star Chapter Water Development), Bob Gonzalez, Dave Cortez (Lone Star Chapter Director), Ruth Falck, Lois Huff, Ryan, Sara Stapleton Barrera (Senate District 27 Candidate), Wendy Hughes, Teresa Carillo

Meeting minutes 2.16.2022

Jim calls us to order at 6:33 PM.

1. Approval of minutes for January 19, 2022 meeting - Errol moves to approve the minutes, Teresa Klein 2nds. Minutes are approved.

2. Welcome Dave Cortez, Director of the Lone Star Sierra Club chapter. Based in South Austin, Dave speaks good news about Sara Stapleton Barrera being endorsed by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.  Dave is very focused on base building and that we as a chapter continue to grow and bring new folks into the groups.  We have to invest in youth and training new people to increase our ability to effect change.  Excited about the chapter would like to provide opportunities to do some of the solutions-oriented side of the coin to show what clean energy can do to create change.  Theory of Change is more that we offer people positive opportunities to help save them money and keep them safe, the more we will get people invested in the more challenging fights.  Texas Energy Democracy Network has a committee that has just formed in the Lone Star Chapter.

Welcome Sara Stapleton Barrera, Southside, Flour Bluff & Padre Island, now in district 27, and Sara is running for this senate seat.  Attorney in Brownsville and a mother of 3.  Has a lot of support from other environmental organizations.  Willing to stand up to corporations, happy that the district has expanded to include like-minded folks.

3. Errol presentation: Industrial Expansion in the Coastal Bend summary of what has happened since 2014. All the crude is coming into the Taft area, which started with one storage tank, now there are 12. The first permit for these facilities was filed in 2014; none of the construction began until 2017; therefore much of the fossil fuel buildout has happened since 2017. All future companies will need water, which is why they need desalination so badly. CC Polymers is three years behind schedule for getting online. They will be doing intake and discharge right in the inner harbor when they get online. C.A.P.E. is continuing to push back, keeping the fight unyielding and for the greater good.  They are working on expanding their “people power” to ensure they can continue to fight.

4. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo -  No changes from the previous report, Jim gave a review

5. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez - Added a blog post that discusses hydrogen technologies. Contains recommendations that are similar to those Jane Patton gave in the C.A.P.E. Climate Summit.

6. Membership report—Lois Huff - Tabled and will bring up again in March with more information.

7. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Eli McKay, Teresa Klein - Recruiting people who want to learn and discuss various forms of equity and anti-racism. Looking for support in the treasurer role and other leadership committees.

8. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger - placeholder monthly to ensure there is a space for Sister Elizabeth to speak, she was not here this evening and so we will table until next month.

Old Business:

9. Tabling at Wednesday Farmers Market - We have seen that numbers are moving in the right direction for in-person events such as this. Seemed like a good idea, and no one opposed and so Jim is going to look into when we will be able to get a table once a month at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

10. Purchase a $50 business card ad in the program for the Nueces County Democratic Party Convention. This is an opportunity for us to get the word out about this program, and willing to spend $50 on this advertisement.

11. Earth Day Bay Day—April 9 at Heritage Park- Jim will check in on the status of where we are on tabling, and perhaps having the electric vehicles with John & Teresa Carillo.

12. Joint efforts with NextGen America—Eli McKay - Jim & Eli will connect to get information on Sierra Club to have at tabling events on campus and within the community.

13. SC garage sale—March 12 at 3501 Monterrey St. preliminary graphics approved to move forward with, Eli will add address, time frame of 8-12, and sierra club logo. The deadline to bring items is 5 pm March 11th, also please try and price items so that the legwork is done.

New Business:

14. PoCC CBBF presentation February 7—Jim Klein - Stuck by the port’s willingness to say that the Green hydrogen would not work here in our area. Brandon was surprised that Jeff was as candid as he was. Jeff is Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer. Errol felt it was informative, and he liked that they told us who the players were. Working to figure out what they mean by this being a small-scale hydrogen pilot, so why bother? Elida wanted to state that Jeff had mentioned that they will not build them around communities as they have to be around a lot of pipelines. He made it sound like if we don’t do this then there will be a lot of Europeans who are going to die, but what about the people who live here and are
dying from these expansions. Port of Rotterdam may be where this is going so that we can see if there is a concern there due to this expansion.

15. Executive Committee officer elections - Table this until the March meeting due to time. Half of the officers have to have staggered terms so that all of the people don’t end at the same time.

16. Other issues -
    Errol, check your C.A.P.E. alert email, also on Facebook about the Sherwin Aluminum mud pits.  Take a look at the video!
    Elida - Looking for a place for an event that CHISPA is going to be hosting.
    Jim - not an endorsement but Maclovio Perez is holding a meet & greet Feb 23rd from 5-8 pm at Surf club Downtown Corpus Christi.
   
Teresa Klein makes a motion to adjourn, Lois seconds and the meeting ends at 8:22 PM
 

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 01-19-2022

Sierra Club Minutes from 1.19.22

6:38 pm Jim calls us to order.

1. Approval of minutes for December 15, 2021 meeting. Errol moves to approve. Eli 2nds. All in favor.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. Only change is paying the post office for our box plus interest on our account. Income taxes due in about 6 weeks. Teresa would be happy to share how they work with anyone interested.

3. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. He added a link to the CAPE Climate Summit. He added a section on the city’s bike paths and our bylaws.

4. Tabling at Wednesday Farmers Market. Bob said there were many people there last week. Jim is thinking we can decide in February because of Covid numbers.

 5. 1-21-22 mtg. with Judge Canales. 9 people will be attending. They will focus on carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and desalination. Tomorrow 2pm meeting.

 6. CBSC sign on to letter to EPA. The purpose is to thank EPA and to ask them to stay involved in the process. John motions we sign on. Errol 2nds. Errol says it has passed legal muster. All in favor.

 7. Purchase of $50 business card ad in the program for the Nueces County Democratic Party Convention. Lois likes the idea of being in both parties. Lois would like us to spend $100 and put an ad in both parties’ programs. Errol motions in favor of the $50 for the Democratic convention and to inquire with the Republican party regarding a $50 ad in their program. Lois 2nds. All in favor. If the Republican convention is more than $50, we aren’t interested.

 8. Update on EV event in April 2022. All signed up, just need a date and a location. April 9^th Heritage Park is Earth Day Bay Day. Tosha Patterson is contact for event. Johnny French is milkweed guy. Lois has his contact information and will contact him. Ruth has many small aloe vera plants. We are normally a sponsor. Have big container of candy and have stickers and tattoos for the kids. CAPE plans to table as well as sponsor. Sierra Club banners were at Sutter’s. If anyone knows where they are please contact Jim. Lois thinks we should get new 6’ banners. Teresa C will ask about what still remains at Sutter’s.

 9. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. NA

 10. Joint efforts with NextGen America—Eli McKay. She is a field organizer with them now. They are new to Texas. The focus is on 18–35-year-olds to register to vote. She spends a lot of time on campus. She would like to also sign-up new members and hand out flyers for the Sierra Club. She wants to know if we think that is ok. The group is in favor of her doing this. January 31^st to deadline to vote in the primary election. Errol is wondering if we can do a QR code to take people right to the website.

 11. Citizens Climate Lobby. Jim is not sure about the carbon credits part of the lobby. Lois isn’t sure about them either. Contact Jim if you want more information.

 12. SC garage sale in March. At the K’s place again. 8am-noon on March 12^th. Teresa asks we price items. Books don’t need to be priced. Drop offs between the 5^th and 8pm on the 11^th. Contact Ks for address. We will look at again in February to evaluate Covid numbers.

 13. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Teresa Klein, Eli McKay. They have a Texas Legislator Scorecard out now. They have a meeting on the 29^th.

 14. Other issues. District 27 now has some areas in Nueces County so people will have new people to vote for. Errol has been putting some dots together with the Port and Desal. 6-10 energy companies are looking at coming here for hydrogen in San Pat County. The Port will not give up on the desal because they need the water for the new companies. They will try to get the permit to take the water from the bay because it is the cheapest option. They will be the owners and operators. If forced, they will go offshore. Within 6 months they will submit a grant for some of the $8 billion dollars in the budget. They may ask for $1 billion. Exxon is one of the big players. Jim asked about green hydrogen. Errol said yes green hydrogen and grey hydrogen. Jim knew about some blue hydrogen. There are no hydrogen carrying vessels now. Exxon and other companies would be the end users until the ships are built. The Port has been doing more advertising lately. They need more taxpayer subsidies for these projects. Teresa K will invite Dave Cortez to a meeting. Jim got an email from the bike path person and there is a survey at cctexas.com/uptown to fill out.

 Teresa motions and Lois 2nds we adjourn at the 8:11pm.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 12-15-2021

Agenda—Coastal Bend Sierra Club group December 15, 2021 CBSC meeting (via Zoom) 6:30pm

1. Approval of minutes for November 17, 2021 meeting. Teresa motioned; Lois seconded. All voted in favor.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. No changes since last month.

3. Port Commission appointment by CC City Council. Errol. They are going back to a vote of confidence and it failed and Valls is out. Gabe Guerra was nominated. He is a banker, not an industry person. The county has two appointments next year. Nobody on the People’s Court was nominated. Channel 6 and 10 ran stories about it.

4. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. Unavailable.

5. EV event in April 2022. All are in support. John will sign us up.

6. Lois noticed two new members in Victoria. Our group is growing! Sr Elizabeth needs to drive out to the site of the zinc processing plant. There is a Unitarian Church in Victoria. Lois can find members for Sr Elizabeth to contact. They want to do testing of runoff but it hasn’t rained yet. She is mostly concerned about the liner having leaks. Boron could be the first to penetrate the liner and the rest of the waste will follow. The permit has not yet been renewed. They will let her know when they have a hearing. They continue to operate on the old permit. Commission Shift website has good data regarding methane. She encourages us to read the reports. Commissionshift.org

7. Upcoming Coastal Bend Sierra Club group elections. Half should be elected for a 2-year term every year but our group is so small we may not be able to do this.

8. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Teresa Klein, Eli McKay. Austin rally to save the grid is tomorrow. A political meeting tomorrow night. We will need a committee to come up with questions for candidates. Eli says they have found some good folks.

9. Other issues. Adding a membership report monthly. Jim was thinking about the Farmer’s Market. We will table for now because of COVID19. Jan. 31st is cut off time for Farmer’s Market. Jim received a petition to pull out money for fossil fuels from the Build Back Better legislation. Lois has mixed feeling because of the transition time. Matt from the EPA is a good person, per Jim. Teresa was thinking about another garage sale. Lois says we could advertise at a future event. She is thinking as soon as possible. March or April or May? Start gathering things now for the sale. Errol brought up town hall meeting tomorrow for desal. 7pm-9pm you can tune in without comment. If you want to speak you need to call in and give a code. Brandon called this afternoon and found out phone lines open at 6pm, at 7pm the Mayor and Manager will introduce themselves. 1.5 hours of public comments. The city will then answer questions for 15 minutes. Not in Spanish. Only 2 minutes to ask questions. You have to watch on computer and stay on hold on the phone. Very poor logistics for the meeting. They hired a Canadian company to host the Town Hall meeting. Errol was thinking of boycotting but decided against it. Brandon added on Monday that the Caller Times will be covering the meeting. A good message is the Town Hall meeting is a sham. We need a real Town Hall with a face-to-face option. We could have our own Facebook Live coverage of the meeting. Brandon is open for changes to information he will post on Facebook. Sr Elizabeth thinks they aren’t following the rules of having a public meeting. She thinks that government wants to have less town hall meetings in the future. She thinks they are resisting having the meetings. She is thinking we should have our own town hall meetings. Movie review. “Don’t Look Up” is about Climate Change. Many famous stars. It is a sad comedy. You have to watch the credits to get a twist at the end. Jim will be speaking on Friday morning at an event.
Motion to adjourn by Sr Elizabeth and seconded by Elida. 7:41pm.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 11-17-2021

1. Approval of minutes for October 20, 2021 meeting. Lois motioned. Teresa C. seconded. All voted in favor.

2. Treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo. Same as last month other than the reimbursement to Jim for the EV radio advertising. March 31st is a plastic symposium. Teresa thought a small donation would be good. Bob said last year’s event was good. Errol motions and Teresa K seconded we accept Treasurer’s report. All voted in favor.

3. Port Commission appointment by CC City Council. At first meeting in December. Application is due next Tuesday. Throwing out names for discussion. Some could have possible conflicts of interest that need to be explored first. Some are just too darn busy. Let’s try to drum up some names within the next 72 hours.

4. Report on the website—Bob Gonzalez. Nothing added. He has some things on his to do list for next week.

5. Review of the 11-13-2021 CC Climate Summit. It was well done with a good attendance. Some attendees would come and go during the summit. They may have an interest in a particular subject. Everyone learned a lot from the speakers and the panels. The group will meet in the future for a follow up of the event. Jim thinks a follow up survey should be sent out quickly.

6. Recap of City of Corpus Christi desal plant, water intake permit meeting (11-16-21). 45 people were signed up for public comment but about 60 people in total made comment. 2 comments were in favor and the rest were opposed.

7. Permit meeting 11-18-21 for Bluewater offshore oil terminal. 6pm. Maritime Administration is putting it on. It is to receive comments regarding the draft environmental impact statement. Written comments until December 13th. You have to register for. Jim will resend link out. www.bluewatereis.com All present were in favor of Jim speaking on behalf of the local Sierra Club.

8. Victoria report—Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger. Not available at this time.

9. Errol was honored to receive the award from the Sierra Club and he wants to thank us all. He is more than deserving of the award.

10. Upcoming Coastal Bend Sierra Club group elections. Lois sent everything in but we still are lacking a Vice-president. Lois will see if she can add a name (Eli) or maybe we can write it in. Lois believes we can appoint in the future if needed.

10. Veg Fest, Green Fest 2022. Spoke with Sonny and he will bring up to the board at Veg Fest.

11. Offshore wind farms—update. Jim did an interview but hasn’t seen it yet. Preferable to oil/gas as long as not in the path of wildlife migration routes. Errol brought up new radar technology that can see flocks of birds and shut the turbines down. Lone Star Chapter in favor but need to take wildlife into consideration.

12. Architects Association meeting at TAMUCC. Jim said it was a nice event. Lois agreed and said some people had some green ideas. If Lois finds a link, she will share it with the group. It sounded like a sales pitch to architects. Teresa C has some questions regarding a path across Oso Bay. Lois said some of the architects could be environmental supporters. Jim got some old excuses for the lack of renewable energy on the campus.

13. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter—Teresa Klein. No update. Eli also attended the CAPE Summit. Teresa attended the Climate Caucus and the head of it attended the Summit as well as another person.

15. Other issues. Errol spoke about the Coastal Bend Air Quality Partnership. Errol has been involved for 3-4 year in the old organization. They will be sending a letter out to NGOs. It will have a 10-member board plus 3-4 other voting members. There will be an academic member to share technical information. Criteria for appointment includes residing in the area and providing the necessary time to affect positive change. John still has an interest in the opening. Jim is open to others interested.

16. Teresa K motioned and seconded by Errol. Meeting adjourned.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 10-20-2021

1 Approval of minutes for Sept 15, 2021. Motion from Teresa K, Lois 2^nd, all voted in favor.

2 Presentation by Shirin Delsooz on the need for more bicycle paths in Corpus Christi. Showed 5-minute video. City is lacking bike paths. New paths mix pedestrians and bikes. In most states it is illegal to bike on sidewalks. Corpus Christi was rated on the bottom of the list for bike paths. She is reaching out to find the best way to address the poor bike path issues. There is a need to address the economic benefits. She has a website. She would like people sign a petition. 1 and 3 Americans own a bike. Children and homeless use bikes for their main transportation. Bikes are good for local health and local wealth. There are limited options for bike transportation routes. She has contacted multiple people at the city level without success. She asks for public comment. www.ibikecc.com is her website. We agreed to post it on our webpage and Facebook. The Sierra Club shared names and possible contacts for her. Jim brought up the TexMex old railroad line that is a potential bike path.

3 Treasurer’s report- Lois stated the only change was a reimbursement to Jim for him paying for advertising for the EV event.

4 Report on website- Bob G. He posted the hydrogen, carbon capture as well he will put the link for the Climate Summit.

5 Update on the 11-13-21 CC Climate Summit. Jim posted tentative schedule and all are welcome to attend next planning meeting this Friday. Please submit still images. More are needed, beauty and ugly are both ok. Bob brought up the Sierra Club paperwork requirements needed for using photos. He will share form with us. Jim brought up running them through the Clean Economy Coalition instead of the Sierra Club. Bob agreed. Also, do the same for the photo of the month. We will have prior people resend photos to the Clean Economy Coalition. There will be Spanish translation at the summit.

6 Veg Fest, Green Fest 2022. Jim also brought up getting back to the Farmers Market to raise funds for the Green Fest in October 2022. As long as we take precautions we can partake in limited events. Jim wants to bring up to a CAPE meeting to see what other groups would be likely to attend. John will reach out to Veg Fest and see what they are looking for us to do and money needed.

7 Offshore wind farms. Interview 10-18-21 at 1pm. Jim is ok with it depending on the details regarding bird migration routes. Lois brought up SC is supportive of wind. Teresa K says even bird groups support wind turbines. Next Monday Teresa K will have a conservation meeting. Jim is waiting to hear back from Joe St. George. Jim will do the interview based on what Teresa finds out after her meeting.

8 Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter- Teresa K. We had an awards banquet and fund raiser and cleared $6k. Teresa C and Neil both won prizes. The new director is focusing on fundraising. Elections were also brought up. If we, do it quickly the Lonestar Chapter will send out the ballots. If not, we have to do it ourselves. Jim brought up we need someone to collect nominations. Lois said she can do this. Lois suggested sending an email out to all members. The last vote was two years ago pre-Covid19. Jim will try to get Eric back at least as a member. We will need a Vice President. Possibly Eli. It would be nice to find a new Treasurer, Lois brought up. Lois will ask Teresa C. Lois will get something put together within a week.

9 Photo of the month- Teresa K. No photos received. We made need to suspend and run through the Clean Economy Coalition.

10 Other issues. Earth Day Bay Day to focus on greenwashing. Lois will ask about the plants to sell. We should get something by the first of the year. Lois will see what she can find out.

Lois motioned; Elida 2^nd adjourned.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 9-15-2021

1. Sierra Club support for Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle program, Teresa Klein, no updates.

2. Approval of minutes for August 18, 2021 meeting, Teresa K motioned and Bob seconded, all voted in favor.

3. Treasurer's report, Teresa Carrillo, no changes. There will be money coming out for the radio ads for the EV event for next month’s report.

4. Report on the website, Bob Gonzalez, nothing new, he is thinking at posting something regarding carbon capture and storage. Jim will share links with Bob.

5. Recap of CC City Budget (inclusion of desalination) issue. Our voices are being heard but desal remains in the budget for $11 million in this year’s budget. Future funding removal failed, 2 against 7. The 2022 city council elections will be our next focus. Teresa C brought up the taxpayers didn’t have a say. Jim met with some of the council members. Council Member Smith doesn’t see the rate increases as an issue because of the limited funding from industry. The city may change the input and outfall out into the Gulf of Mexico. This would make it more expensive and less likely to happen.

6. EV rally September 26. COVID-19 measures are in place. Teresa K to bring masks, John to bring sanitizer, Jim doing radio ads 3 ads a day and run the last on Saturday or Sunday morning. He is working with 2 radio stations. Del Mar has approved the use of their parking lot the 26th from 1pm – 3:30pm. John has promotion cards available if anyone wants them.

7. Update on the 11-13-2021 CC Climate Summit, meeting tomorrow afternoon regarding the event. Teresa Klein looking for input regarding in person or virtual. Lois is thinking virtual. Elida and Bob are thinking virtual as well. Jim was thinking about showing short local videos if event is virtual. If anyone has other ideas, please share it with someone on the planning committee. Errol brought up if it is best to put off meeting to have it in person or have it virtual. Bob would prefer an in-person event and would postpone it until spring. Elida would like to still like to do a virtual and have one in person at a later time.

8. Report on Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter, Teresa Klein, 8 awards are given out every year. Errol is one of the award recipients!!! Diane Wilson was the award recipient last year. Errol spoke about how cool it is he is receiving it. He might not be able to attend because of the CAPE strategy meeting. He is honored. Teresa K encourages people to sign up for virtual event. The in-person event is limited to 50 people. The Lone Star Chapter has a new executive director today and he is Dave Cortez. He sounds like an excellent choice.

9. Photo of the month, Teresa Klein, no photos submitted.

10. Hydrogen projects proposed for this region. All colors of hydrogen are bad. The least bad is green hydrogen but it needs lots of water. For green hydrogen to be economic has to be done at a massive scale. Blue hydrogen is another name for fracking. If they inject the carbon in the ground there could be issues. Jim doesn’t have trust in the Port from the last decade of experience. They have not committed to carbon storage or to inject it to increase methane/oil production. Could be some solar but also methane. Errol has video of CAPE presentation. Jim sent to county judge and to 4 county commissioners. He heard back from 2 of them and from the staff of one of them. He has not brought up to the city council yet. Greg Smith has questions regarding hydrogen and its energy and water use. Errol wants recording shared with everyone. It is on the CAPE website. The Port has made it clear that the desal plants will be where the water comes from for green hydrogen. He also said the reflective solar power with power towers kills birds. The Port is planning on using PV solar panels and the birds may mistake them for wetlands. We are a key area for bird migration. Enbridge Energy purchased Moda. They want to get involved in carbon capturing. They are thinking of a large solar farm close to Moda. Errol wants us to focus on hydrogen and carbon capture for the future. Errol is not interested in a meeting with the Port. Teresa K thinks the hydrogen is a greenwashing campaign. Audubon Society supports solar if properly located. Errol is concerned about migration but Teresa K brings up that they are supporting solar because of climate change. Bob believes people need to be informed about hydrogen. Send Errol any videos regarding hydrogen. Jeff Pollack contacted Jim and wants to meet. He hasn’t committed to the meeting yet. He is thinking about sending the videos to Jeff. Errol thinks he has seen the videos already. He encourages Jim to meet with Jeff. Meet in a public space. Historically the Port wasn’t a major fossil fuel exporter so in the future they could find other things to export. Elida brought up the jobs are for people coming into the area and not necessarily the people that live here. Local young people are planning to move out of the area after they receive their education.

11. Other issues, Teresa K wants us to think about Earth Day and Bay Day next year. She has some ideas. Elida will be meeting next week with a German organizer. If you want to be there let her know. Errol points out we have some appointments and reappoints coming up at the Port. Is there anyone we want to propose to the city for appointment? Keep your eyes open. Jim says the Port should have someone from labor on the commission. Dave Cortez may have someone to recommend. It will come up Jan. 2022.

Teresa motioned and Lois seconded that we adjourn. All voted in favor.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 8-18-2021

Jan spoke about Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle program. They are the most endangered turtle. National Park Service wants to dismantle the program by shifting funds away from the program. Donna is now running the program and it has brought in over a million dollars to our community. It sounds like there might be limiting of access to drive on the beach. It sounds like the Texas Open Beach Act guarantees access to the beach. She wants to stop it now. She wants to save Donna’s program for the turtles. Errol wants to add that he went out there 6 months ago and was told they are now doing things by the book because there is a new manager. Eric is the new manager. He may use the endangered species act to shut down beach traffic. She is happy what the Sierra Club is currently doing. She will be reaching out to local fishermen. Teresa C brought up Beach Clean Up Billy and his following. Jan said the group was taken over by lawyers. Jan spoke about how the Deep Water Funds are being spent. Jim suggested a petition calling for Eric’s removal from his position. Jan said they have one to save the program. Errol suggested CAPE could get involved. Teresa K said we have many people we can get the word out to. League of Conservation Voters could also help get the word out. Jan is ok to share her Facebook page. Teresa C brought up a property transfer by the National Seashore that is a possibility. Has there been any collaboration with the people on South Padre Island? It doesn’t sound like so far.

1 Approval of minutes June 16^th. No minutes from July 21. Errol motioned and Teresa seconded. All in favor.

2 Treasurer’s report, Teresa C. No changes to checking or savings accounts.

3 Report on website, Bob. He added a blog post about the Sea Turtle Program and links to Teresa speaking.

4 CC City Budget and inclusion of desalination discussion August 31 vote September 7. The city held townhall meetings regarding the budget. The meetings are now virtual. $15 million on the coming year’s budget for desal. It was on page 498. It was not in the executive summary. Water rates will go up for all users. Jim believes we have struck a nerve with the city staff. Please contact your city council member, the at large members and the mayor to have it removed from the budget. 25 cent drought surcharge exemption fee revenue of $3.2 million on page 112. With Exxon will be $5.2 million. $10 million annually for the debt service. So, it will pay for less than 60% of what is needed. Where is the rest of the money coming from?

5 EV rally September 26. Waiting on Del Mar College. Teresa has an idea to use Snapka’s Restaurant if Del Mar backs out. Teresa should know on Monday. Jim reached out to some radio stations and the rates are $15 per spot. Errol makes a motion that we spend up to $600 to promote the EV event. Teresa seconds. Errol says we might see some other types of vehicles show up. Jim is a confirmed cheapskate. All voted in favor. Jim will do the radio spots.

6 Update on the 11-13-21 Climate Summit. The planning meeting is tomorrow at 4pm. Room 105 at the West Campus.

7 See discussion regarding Kemp's Ridley program above.

8 Report on Lone Star Chapter Teresa K. Save the date for fundraiser on October 16^th. Only 50 people allowed at event. $125 for in person ticket. Raffle for big geode. Send Teresa an email if you need information. They are down to 2 excellent candidates for the new ED.

9 Photo of the month Teresa K. We can use Novak’s photos as we wish. Photos need copyright for website. Facebook is less strict so we can use them there. Give Novak a shout out on Facebook.

10 Other issues. Next Thursday August 26^th some industry CEOs will be at the Omni Hotel giving a presentation. Begins at around 11am. Feel free to show up. There is also a Global Day of Action the same day. Some discussion regarding hydrogen. All different colors of hydrogen. None are optimal. Words of wisdom from Germany. Elida went for a global day of action. European group fighting oil and fracked gas. They were receiving fracked gas from here. About 2,000 people attended because of COVID19. She spoke about the conditions of living here. Fracking is banned in Germany. She met with people from different areas of the world. It was a grass roots movement. They haven’t been talking with the communities before and after the actions. Something new going on at Aransas Pass. A dredging project on the edge of Redfish Bay. They want to increase the size of the terminal. Sept 7^th is deadline for comment. Errol will send something out. White and orange mama cat needs a home. Let Teresa know.

Adjourned 8:52

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 6-16-2021

SC minutes 6-16-21

1 Approval of minutes. Teresa motions and Lois seconds, all voted in favor of approval.

2 Presentation by Jeremy Coleman, President of the CC chapter of the NAACP. No show this month.

3 Treasurer’s report, Lois says Teresa C has sent in income taxes. .

4 Report on the website, Bob. Nothing new since last time.

5 Lids for trash cans at Suter Wildlife Refuge. Jim spoke with Cliff at the Surfrider. Jim has a name and number of Elizabeth at the parks department. Jim asked Elizabeth and is waiting for a response.

6 Update on the 11-13-2013 CC Climate Summit. Teresa K gave update. No major changes. The big room at Del Mar is being remodeled.

7 Victoria iron smelter, Sister Elizabeth. She called county commissioner. The attorney was asking for a public meeting but they said no. They invited her to speak with the CEO of the company. He said public meetings are out. She says we will have to live with it. All we can do is inform the public. Need more engaged and informed people in Victoria. The CEO said only steam will be coming out of the smoke stack. The application states many pollutants will be emitted. She says they need new blood on the city council and boards that approve these kinds of projects. They are not thinking of the public health impacts. She will try to appeal to their morals. They are billing it as a zinc recycling project. Jim has written a letter asking for a public meeting. Regarding another project, Elizabeth will send Nordheim project number to Jim from the Railroad Commission. It is within a ½ mile of a school. All voted in favor of Jim writing a letter in objection to the Nordheim project. Lois motions, and Ruth seconds.

8 Report on Sierra Club Lone Start Chapter, Teresa K. She had a meeting today regarding Oct. 16^th awards ceremony. Email Teresa if you are interested in sponsoring. Currently it is a virtual event. We will be getting more direction from the national club regarding in person events. Looking for entertainment for the event. State ex-com meeting later this week. ERCOT will come up in the meeting. Send Teresa an email regarding issues that needed brought up.

9 Photo of the month, Teresa K. Will push it off to next month. Teresa updated Facebook page.

10 Other issues to discuss. The Port had a presentation that Jim attended. They have a carbon capture scheme pumping it 1-2 miles underground. Jim wants transparency and verification. Jim asked about energy requirements. His questions went unanswered. How will energy be generated? It would need industry and government funding. They may want to use it to recover more oil. Sounds like a deflection from the issue of having to reduce burning fossil fuels.

EV tax bill did not pass on a technical issue. Jim brought up now is a good time contact elected officials.

Jim will send out an email regarding a number of upcoming events.

July 8^th training on the hearing process. It will be update on Facebook.

Teresa motioned and Sister Elizabeth second, we adjourn. All in favor.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 5-19-2021

SC 5.19.21

1. Approval of minutes. Bob motioned, Eli 2^nd, all in favor.

2. Victoria iron smelter. South by south east of Victoria close to a recreational area. David is working on. Comments have been made by Jim and David. The company met behind closed doors with the locals. They are not responding to have a public meeting or even a public presentation. There could be downwind health concerns. David also brought up the SDI plant. The dust will come from train from Sinton to Victoria. There could be dust lost into the environment during the train transporting. This is taking a waste stream and recycling it but it could be poisonous to the local population. It will be landfilled in Robstown if it can’t be recycled. If anyone has time, please comment.

3. Treasurer’s report. No report this month. Assuming no changes.

4. Report on website. Bob’s Port report is worth reading and sharing.

5. Clean up at Suter Wildlife Refuge 4-24-21. It was a non-Sierra Club event. Jim brought up that he sorted the trash and took out the recyclable items. Trash cans need lids or emptied more often or both. Lois will contact the city. Jim will check with Neil and Cliff regarding trash cans without lids.

6. Update on the 11-13-21 on CC Climate Summit. All still on. The meeting will be tomorrow. No update at until after the meeting.

7. Report on Sierra Club Lone Start Chapter. Teresa K and Eli. Eli likes the anti-racism training. Also, they have gender training. It is open to everyone. They are still looking for a director. It is posted on the Lonestar website. Teresa will share posting on the Facebook page. Jim has been sending out legislative bills that are pending. The time is short. We need at act now to contacting legislature.

8. Photo of the month. Teresa K. 1^st photo butterflies. 2^nd sunset. All voted in favor of butterflies.

9. Other issues. Teresa said the Alice people are having success for the lake clean up! Vote no for SB1728 the anti EV bill. F150 EV will be launched tonight at 8:30. Low-income housing ran into opposition. Jim update on Donna Park low-income housing development. Sounds like the director at the city housing department and the developer have the same director. Eli said they were wanting to change a clause to increase the price of the houses.

10. Teresa K motioned and Bob 2^nd all adjourned.
     

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 4-21-2021

Coastal Bend Sierra Club
Meeting called to order at 6:33, April 21, 2021
Those present were: Lois H., Jim K., Teresa K., Ruth F., Bob G., Mary, Teresa C., Sally F.
Items on the agenda:

1. approval of 3-17-21 minutes – Teresa Klein motioned approval as amended.  Bob 2nd.

2. treasurer's report—Teresa Carrillo – sent it out.  Checking $3892.88, New $50 donation from the Durans. $165.00 for Post Office Box.  Balance $3778.88 SEE THE REPORT. Teresa Klein will become a second signatory on the account.  

3. report on the website—Bob Gonzalez – finished the write-up about the oil exports and what it means for the area.  The title of the piece is Port of Corpus Christi Crude Oil Exports and Resulting CO2 Greenhouse Gases.  This is the newest story is on the homepage for the CB group.  Teresa K will share it on the FB page to reach a wider audience.

4. pending area permits
-the City's Water Rights permit #13675 is open for comments until May 6. – updates sent out by Errol. If you have not commented yet, please do so.
-the cities in Aransas and San Pat counties are adopting Resolutions
to look at alternative sources of water for their citizens.  The
Cities of Portland and Ingleside have passed the Resolution
#164399 – Zinc Resources was going to build a arc furnace in Whitsett County.  They withdrew their application.  Now moved to Victoria County.  There are people in Victoria County who want to oppose it.  Jim sent it up to the Lonestar Chapter.  

5. Clean-up at Suter Wildlife Refuge (10 a.m., Saturday, April 24) – not an official Sierra Club event.

6. update on the 2021 CC Climate Summit – nothing to report.

7. Sierra Club Board of Directors elections – the group discussed the candidates.

8. report on 350.org conference—Teresa K attended and reported that along with the sessions addressing climate crisis around the world, there was a session focused on issues in Texas and Louisiana.  The Conference was well done and included international climate stars like Bill McKibben, Naomi Klein, and Greta Thunberg.  The conference was used the platform PheedLoop and Teresa K. thought we need to look at conference hosting platforms such as this for the climate summit CAPE is planning for November.

9. Lone Star legislative update – We discussed pending legislation. Jim suggested that we all call the representatives about these bills in honor of Earth Day.
-FOR: HB 896; HB 897 (reduce methane pollution)— in Todd Hunter’s committee – Support. Need to call Todd Hunter to express wishes.
-FOR: SB 243; HB 4556 (weatherize homes) — in Geanie Morrison’s committee – Environmental Regulation Committee.  Will provide incentives for people to weatherize their homes.
-FOR: HB 3460 (funds to big freeze victims) — in Todd Hunter’s committee – for victims of the big freeze. Needs to be voted out of committee before it can go to the House floor.
-AGAINST: SB1728 (increase EV registration fee) — headed to Senate floor – would increase the fee by $200 per year for those who drive EVs.
AGAINST - HB 4640 – would increase the authority of Port of CC to declare eminent domain.

-Rep. Todd Hunter: 512-463-0672
-Rep. Abel Herrero: 512-563-0462
-Rep. J.M. Lozano: 512-463-0463
-Rep. Geanie W. Morrison: 512-463-0456
-Sen. Chuy Hinojosa: 512-463-0120
-Sen Lois Kolkorst: 512-463-0118
-Sen. Judith Zafirini: 512-463-0121
-Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr.: 512-463-0127

10. photo of the month—Teresa Klein – no pictures came in.

11. other discussion –
    • The city is putting a multifamily dwelling next to Blutcher park.  We will ask Eli McKay about this.  
    • Discussed meeting time – people said they wanted to have consistency
    • Jim talked about the City Housing Authority building low-income housing in the Dona Park neighborhood. Jim is going to make comment at the Housing Authority meeting.
    • Lois talked about the Audubon meeting – recommended that we not feed birds as there is a fungus going around.  
    • Teresa Klein attended a composting happy hour.  She made connections with people around the state as well as the Director of Solid Waste here in CC.  
    • We mentioned the Texas Parks and Wildlife recommendation to turn off lights at night to help the migrating birds.
    • Sunday, April 25 – Seed and plant exchange at Carrol Ln Park.  3600 Maple St. For the Greater Good and Indigenous People.  10am – 1pm.  

Respectfully submitted by acting secretary,
Teresa Klein

 

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 3-17-2021

Sierra Club 3.17.21

Approval of minutes. Lois motions and Teresa 2nd. All in favor.

Treasurer’s report, no changes since last month. Teresa C says we need another signer. The group's account is at Navy Army Credit Union. Everyone should think about it and if nobody volunteers Teresa K will do it. The group needs to pay for a PO Box. Teresa C will take care of it tomorrow.

Website report. Bob will be updating it soon to include the barrels per month and cumulative for the year shipped from the Port of Corpus Christi.  The petroleum export ban was repealed in 2015 and the Port of CC started exporting about January of 2016. This is a big project.

There will be a public meeting March 18th at 7pm on the city’s inner harbor desal plant water intake permit. People can register as early as today. Basically, industry can do whatever they want currently but we need to look at locations and not let them sprawl as Teresa C summarized in James King’s comment and Cara agreed. Language is important regarding industry as foreign-owned corporations are coming here to pollute. Health of the Bay is very important to the local population as well as corporations not paying their fair share of taxes. Contact Errol for current polling data. EPA recommends that water intakes be 600 meters from shore and 20 meters below the surface. Manatees have been known to come into our bays.

Other pending permits. Lonestar Ports permits could be transferable and there might be public comment. TCEQ may not see it that way. Does anyone know if a permit is transferable? Lawyers are researching that issue at this time. Will Lonestar Ports sue the Port? We don’t know. Water intake permit (TCEQ number WRPREM13630) for the City is still open for comment. Moda's TCEQ 122362 air permit number is for major expansion. A contested case will be filed against the Steel Dynamics air permit. The City of Corpus Christi's permit (TCEQ number WRPREM13675) is not submitted yet. A contested case has been filed by Citgo and is ongoing for an air permit.

Update on the 2021 CC Climate Summit. Next meeting is the 25th. Scheduled for Nov 13th. Currently face to face by could be virtual as well. Speakers getting lined up.

Report on the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter by Teresa K.  The Excom met this week. Hiring an Executive director is in process. National is looking at making some changes. It is currently a proposal. Under it, local group money would go through the state chapter instead of the being kept by the groups. Teresa K emailed it out as an attachment for all to read. Check it out and give Teresa K and Cara comments. Todd Hunter has a nurdle bill filed in the legislature.

Support for House Bill 2716. It would restore standing for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in TCEQ filings. HB4379: Sierra Club recommends support for direct sale of EVs to customers without going through dealerships. HB17: Sierra Club recommends oppose because it takes away local control regarding methane use. Contact your state officials to vote on these 3 pending House Bills. Thank you.

Photo of the month by Teresa K. Save photos from the Arctic Blast. Send to Teresa K.

Other issues. Water board has a meeting tomorrow afternoon. Jim will attend at 1pm. Demolition for Booker T Washington school will happen after the City provides notice. There may be a possible vigil at the start of the demolition. NAACP has new leadership. The Sierra Club will send out Facebook congratulations to new leaders.

Teresa asked about Sierra Club members that sat on the local air quality group in the past. Is there a citizen group now? She thinks we should get involved again if a group exists.

Cara motioned and Teresa K 2nd the motion to adjourn.
 

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 2-24-2021

2.24.21

Meeting minutes.

Approval of minutes. Lois motioned and Teresa K 2^nd. All in favor.

Treasurer’s report. No difference other than some interest.

Website report. Bob will do some updates in a couple of weeks.

Pending permits. Moda is seeking an air permit 122362 for an expansion for more tanks for more crude. PM 2.5, 10, and sulfur dioxide. Deadline March 15^th to comment. Port’s La Quinta desal permit for draft permit 13630 for water rights for intake. May ask for a contested case. Most important at this time but has not been published in the newspaper. March 5^th is soft date to comment by. Issues: 1^st is intake of animal life, 2^nd is electricity used, 3^rd is industrial waste in intake water. People need to live close and have an economic interest in loss of sea life.

Zinc Resources LLC iron dust smelter in Live Oak County. Jim filed a public comment on behalf of the Clean Economy Coalition. Hoping the City has commented on it. It could affect our water supply.

Update of 2021 CC Climate Summit. Working on speakers. Teresa K updated about new Climate Crisis Council is formed and will try to get speaker from Gina McCarthy’s office. Jim may have also found a speaker (Matt) for the summit.

City of Corpus Christi pursuit of desal. Intake permits 13675 La Quinta and 13676 inner harbor open for comments. Intake is going faster than discharge for permitting. We missed a deadline for the inner harbor draft permit it was published in the newspaper in October 2020. Public meeting is March 18^th at 7pm as a virtual meeting regarding intake. Trying to get many comments. Same permit as $200 million loan is for. Power usage, amount of industrial discharges going into the inner harbor are some issues to use. Close to St Patrick’s Day. How can we be assured the water is safe because of the industrial discharge? Inner harbor electricity use is equivalent to 3,400 residents. Ask for a contested case. Inner harbor is closed in, only outlet is under the bridge. Lois asked about discharges into the inner harbor. CC Polymers has their own desal and will have their own discharges. Tule Lake is in the inner harbor where the intake will be. City is still running their ads for desal.

Update on reaching out to Tesla/Space X. Steel Dynamics order is still in effect. It will go to a contested case. A major national newspaper will be publishing an article regarding this in the future.

Harbor Island issues (LSP air permit, desal, BWTX). Cara out of town. Air permit they lost case. They won desal. Tomorrow Bluewater will be in Aransas Pass.

New Port of CC Commissioner. Was not Al Jones. Not sure about the new person. Sounds like Patrick will be meeting with him.

Photo of the month. Nothing new.

Other issues.

Lois asked about eminent domain for the Port. Bill wasn’t introduced yet. It could have to do with a new industrial landfill that is needed. Bill number 782 introduced by Hinojosa today. We need to take a hard look at.

National and state Sierra Club might be reorganizing. Texas has the one chapter and groups under the chapters. Thinking about dividing into regional areas. Also to standardize more. Chapter might keep all the funds instead of the groups. The national group is working on being more anti-racist because of the racism from the past. Everyone can attend. Teresa K brings up idea of a trivia match between other groups to raise funds for political donations.

Lois brings up information that Teresa C shared with her. March 18^th at 1pm is when it is and will be a virtual meeting. Texas Water Development Board is the group holding the meeting. Contact Lois if interested.

Flare in Portland is getting bigger. They need approval by Railroad Commission to flare. TCEQ has been getting complaints and they it is because of going through start up. TCEQ says it is working the way it should. Flaring is not monitored. TCEQ says tough and breathe the air.

Progressive Center is closing down.

Ingleside on the bay air monitor is installed. Exxon is installed. Port A will get one. One more undecided where it will go.

Check out April issue of the Rolling Stone!

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 1-20-2021

Sierra Club 1.20.20

Approval of minutes. Lois motioned to approved, 2^nd Peggy, all approved.

Treasurer’s report. Teresa is not available.

Report on the website. Bob is not available.

Pending permits. Gulf Links project is south of Galveston. Lone Star Chapter is against it as well. Jim can send out petition. 1-22 is deadline. Contact Jim if you didn’t receive it.

Update of the 2021 CC Climate Summit. CAPE is the main organizer. Nov 13^th is a possible date. Rounding up speakers now. How are we effecting it and how is it affecting us will be addressed? In early stages with much enthusiasm.

City of CC pursuit of desal. Jim saw ads on the local TV ads promoting desal so now the Clean Economy Coalition is running radio ads against it. Errol stated the Port says Harbor Island is the only suitable location for desal. The Port authorized the City to look at discharge with injection into a contaminated property. The cost is $149k. Just dumping it on the ground not injecting. Sherwood Alumina. The Port has asked TCEQ for leniency to do other studies.

Lone Star Sierra Club Legislative meeting 1-12-2021. More air monitors and more resources for Railroad Commission. Clean up for de-funked oil/gas sights. Budget must be passed, likely in late March. 55% K-12, 15% college and they have a big rainy-day fund.

Alice Green Alliance is concerned with cleaning up the Findley Lake as well as the rest of the city. Daniel is a cofounder. The primary goal is to balance the ecosystem of their lake. They get a lot of star grass and algae blooms. They are looking to aerate the water with possible wind turbines. The city was reluctant about allowing lake cleanup. Charlie and others have been recruited to help the cause. They are a non-profit. Possible walking trails and fishing program for kids. Texas Parks and Wildlife haven’t stocked since 2015. There is much litter around the lake. The pier is falling apart as well as benches. No city maintenance the trash cans. They did a big trash clean up last weekend. Lake Finley was made in 1965. 288 acres. Teresa K may have some ideas but she is not available. The City is running a deficit because of the past mistake as well as oil workers leaving. The City has no money to spend on the project. Jim is wondering about state funding. They have reached out to Texas Parks and Wildlife. They will be sending out some biologists to look at the lake. Errol suggested possibly discharging the desal waste into the lake. There is water at about 1,000 feet deep for desal. Jim suggested writing a letter to the City and/or Texas Parks and Wildlife. Part of the mission statement is education and recreation. They have 700 people on their Face Book page. It looks like they have support of a couple of city council people. Jim suggested to bring a reporter for the next clean up and let the city council know. City elections in May. They are presenting to the city council about aeration with wind/solar. Jim suggested the Daniel speak with his group about us writing a letter. Errol believes it is part of our club’s mission. Teresa K also supports the letter.

No response yet from Tesla or Elon Musk regarding deep water injection. This in an ongoing process. The Aransas group sent a letter to TCEQ regarding building the waste water plant before they got their permit. TCEQ has told them to stop building the waste water plant.

Photo of the month. Deer 0 Seawall 4 Shore 5 Marlena wins!

Teresa was called on a poll regarding Bluewater. Sounds like the poll was filled with untruths. Likely paid for by the Port.

The Port has contacted the state representatives to allow Port to use eminent domain. All mayors signed a letter against this.

Other issues to discuss. Cara under the weather. Eli is watching the city council Tues morning or Thurs evening. She can send zoom link. They will pick port person on Tues. Eli put in for the opening. Jim did a clean up over the weekend. Lots of trash everywhere around here. Errol sent email to all CAPE members about 2 permits that have public comments by Friday at 5pm. Gulf link and marine loading permits. They are doing it for the race to export. TCEQ wants to create one permit for them all to streamline the permitting. Public meeting tomorrow morning. Errol will attend. Please comment. Tomorrow is the 11^th anniversary of Citizens United which helped to create super pacs. Texas House bill 40 blocked cities from banning fracking.

Teresa motioned and Errol 2^nd to adjourn at 8:28pm

February meeting on the 17^th, Weds at 6:30pm.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 12-16-2020

Sierra Club minutes 12.16.20

1. Approval of minutes. Errol moves and Teresa K 2nds. All approved.

2. Treasurer’s report. No change.

3. Report on website. Bob added Jim’s public comment to the TCEQ.

4. Pending permits. Jim checking in regarding comments and if they needed to be reviewed by ex-con first. Errol gives ok to Jim to comment on permits. Nobody objected. None of the public comments have been in favor of the current projects. Meeting with Earth Justice wants a local group to join them. It will be the Clean Energy Coalition.

5. Update on the 2021 CC Climate Summit. Forgot, need to put on next months agenda.

6. Bluewater permit application. Jim sent email to sign up for the public meeting on Jan. 5^th. Deadline is tomorrow. Takes less than 2 minutes to sign up to speak and/or listen. Friends in Port A do not support the emissions from the project. They are very much against the Harbor Island project, more so than the Bluewater project. Max vs Best control technology. They are using Max instead of Best so the emissions will be much more. Written comment deadline is Jan. 11^th.

7. Lonestar Chapter update. Dade Phelan could be next speaker of the house. He sounds like a reasonable person. Nathan Johnson has filed a bill to tighten up oil storage tank regulations. Priorities are community protection, clean energy/energy efficiency/climate, parks/wildlife/land and use of eminent domain, water quality and conservation, and local democracy. Lots of new people needed to get the lay of the land in Texas. Next meeting Jan. 12 7-8pm. Open to everyone. Errol wants help to track down data for clean jobs vs fossil fuel jobs.

8. Photo of the month. We will vote by email this month.

9. Other issues to discuss. Eric didn’t submit his name for the Port that we know of. Errol asked the Mayor a question regarding the City’s appointment to the Port. She is still thinking about it. The person has to be a Corpus Christi resident. She did agree there needs to be more diversity. Need to take off one or two Tuesdays a month if interested in position. We are a bulk terminal only which hurts our economy’s prospects to bring in other types of businesses.

10. Steel Dynamics, Errol says deep water injection, below 5,000 is the best option for the waste water. This will not affect the water in the aquifer. We can contact Tesla and SpaceX and let them know. Motion for John to contact Tesla on behalf to the Coastal Bend Sierra Club. Lois wants us to reach out to the other chapters. All voted in favor. Jim will contact Lone Star Chapter and let them know. Errol will call Jim B and see what his response is. Errol is ok with sharing his comments with Tesla.

11. Next meeting will Jan. 20^th at 6:30.

12. Adjourn motioned by Lois and 2^nd by Peggy.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 11-18-2020

11.18.20 SC minutes

Discussion of election of officers with the state or on our own. Bob says it will take about a week on his end. If we do on our own it is on our dime, if we go with the state, they will send out postcards.

Treasurer’s report. Checking is the same. Savings has been fixed for the deposit that did not belong to us. There is a $50 deposit in honor of Joyce. It will be deposited into the checking for now. Possible to use money for air quality monitor. Maybe use for radio ad.

Approval of minutes. Teresa K motioned, Lois seconded, minutes approved.

Report on website. Not much new posted lately. Bob wants to post in the few weeks regarding climate change and EVs.

Group officer elections. Continue discussion of timing and if we do or have the state do. Post cards have been sent out in the past to let people know we are having an election and if they want participate.

Pending permits. Errol. Tomorrow at 7pm meeting from Ingleside on the Bay discussing Moda for another dock for additional vessels. Dec 1^st at 7pm TCEQ is the public meeting, virtual. Please participate and send comment. There will be talk about the relationship between high salinity and red tide. Errol sent zoom link to CAPE. Steel Dynamics Dec. 7^th at 7pm TCEQ is the public meeting, virtual. It will be the largest AEP customer in the nation. The waste water discharge permit is of concern. 1.6 million gallons a day down a creek that empties in Copano Bay. It contains many metals. There will be a possible contested case. The Blue Water Project has an air permit but isn’t really a permit. A pipeline from Taft to 20 miles off shore for a floating fueling station. We want to make sure the pipeline is tight and won’t leak. Our goal is to get the most protection possible. Currently they have no emissions control. 300 million tons of green house gases could be emitted. Only EPA has control, not TCEQ. Nov. 27^th is the deadline to ask for a public meeting. Teresa C pointed out about the pipeline explosion we had here this summer that killed some of the workers. Two parallel 30-inch pipelines are involved. City is still seeking two desal permits. More comments the better. The inner harbor permit has not been receiving many comments. Comments needed for a public meeting. 0005289000 is the inner harbor permit number. Sister asked if any medical or wildlife people are involved for the Steel Dynamics? Yes, said Errol. Citizens advisory board for pot of money has selected Cara to be part of the board. Sister asked if Errol can send links to comments out to people. Jim forwarded to Sister. Teresa K mentions an article that says to back off and she will post a link related to the Port. Corpus Christi has 3 appointees for the Port. Hal Jones seat is up in December. We need to find people to apply for the opening. Eric, or Jace? Jim will contact both of them to see if they will apply. There is a bill to be heard on Dec. 12^th for the Port to have eminent domain over the cities and counties in their area of business. The Port is tax exempt. We need to contact our state representatives and senator.

Back to elections issue. We will join the state for the election. Our slate includes: Eric Chair, Jim Vice-chair, Teresa K state delegate, Teresa C Treasure, Secretary John, Webmaster is Bob, Lois membership, grassroots community chair is Teresa C, other chairs are available. Cara might be going for state office. Errol motioned and Sister 2^nd to send slate if no other members are interested in the positions. Send bios to Cara. All in favor, motion passed.

Update on the 2021 CC Climate Summit. Fall of next year. DelMar and virtual speakers. One day event. Next meeting Dec. 10^th 5pm. Lois suggested young people to assist us. Sister suggested some other people help. Errol contacted Texas Rio Grande legal aid. Ingleside on the Bay is a focus. Bringing home the local impacts of climate change and that our local economy is fueling the climate crisis. We want local scientists and outside scientists that are independent.

Texas Plastic Pollutions Symposium (March 2021). No date yet. Keep your eyes open.

Update on desalination issue. Covered earlier.

Photo of the month. No submissions. Anna Novak has done some nice things but hasn’t submitted them in. Many amazing photographers in the area, just need submissions. 2 weeks of pollution and 2 weeks of beauty.

Other issues. Zeta2030.org is brand new group with goal of 100% electric ground transportation by 2030. Also, 6pm oil and gas meeting tomorrow night at the state Sierra Club. Johnathan Scott’s Power Trip on PBS.

Next meeting will be on Dec. 16^th 6:30pm.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 10-21-2020

6:35pm meeting called to order.

Approval of minutes from both meetings in September, the 16^th and the 30^th. Teresa motioned and Bob seconded. All voted in favor.
Treasurer’s report is the same, other than a pending $700 deposit that we need to investigate where it came from and for what purpose it is for.
Report of website. We have an endorsement page for the City officials and information regarding Joyce Jarmon.

Passing of Joyce Jarmon. There is a place to donate on the website. Currently donations from the website go to the Lone Star chapter. For direct donations to the local Sierra Club a check can be mailed to PO Box 3512 Corpus Christi, TX 78463.

1^st annual Hal Suter award went to Robin Schneider. She is one of the founding members of CAPE.

Desal update. The city passed on the 2^nd vote this because of the penalty the city would have to pay if it didn’t pass for the permitting. $1.33 billion is the total cost which the city is disputing. Running four billboards and sent out flyers. There are also ads on social media. Scientists say, not in the Bay. HRI stated off shore is the preferred location for inlet and outflow. Other discussion regarding the flyers. Nobody has done a cumulative study of the air and water pollution for the Bay. After every major rain event the bacteria in the Bay spikes. This has been going on for at least 10 years. It is because of human feces enters the bay from the storm water system. Other discussions regarding strategies.

Photo of the month. No submission for the month.

Radio ads for Sierra Club events. 106.5 music station will run ads for 60 seconds for $10. 104.5 and 107.3 will do the same price. AM 1230 sports channel with Pug has the same price. It is quick and easy to record an ad. An option for future to get the word out. We will ad on next month’s agenda.

Other issues. Earthworks is coming out with a report tonight regarding a study in Texas. CAPE has endorsed it. It is a solid study regarding emissions and TCEQ and the Railroad Commission. See www.earthworks.org. Put on next month’s agenda regarding the city and the gas company. Need to call the city secretary for a call back when wanting to comment at city counsel meetings. It is limited to 3 minutes. We are working on a Climate Summit in 2021, hoping it is in person but we aren’t counting on it. Sister suggested a drive by of the cracker plant. Sister will ask around the Bishop’s people for support. Next meeting will be on Nov. 18^th. Lois motioned to adjourn and Cara seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 9-30-2020

Called to order at 6:30pm
Jim abstains from voting.
Sierra Club votes to endorse Liz Perez jointly with Dianna King for at large seats. All voted in favor except for abstention.
Next meeting is Oct 21^st
Adjourned at 6:47pm

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 9-16-2020

August minutes approved. All in favor.

Treasurer’s report, no changes.

EV Rally Sept 27^th starts at 1pm at Oleander Point at Cole Park and will drive to the Art Museum. Lois suggested trying to get the word on our website and Facebook. John will provide the link to Lois to National Drive Electric Week.

Photo contest update. No photos received. Teresa encourages everyone to get the word out to their friends to submit photos of beauty or pollution.

Discussion of flaring and non-enforcement.

Sierra Club endorsements for the state. We are waiting to hear from the state office.

Candidate questionnaire discussion with Cara. Mayor race, only 2 replied. Joe and Eric. Joe rejects the wording of desal. Eric is in line with Sierra Club values. All voted in favor of endorsing Eric for mayor. District one, 3 replied. We all liked all answers from all replies. All voted in favor of Eli. District two, 2 replies. All voted in favor of Sylvia. District three, 1 reply. All voted in favor of not endorsing anyone for district 3. District five, no replies. All voted in favor of not endorsing anyone for district 5. At large candidates. We can endorse up to 3. None replied. Tabling at large candidates for now and have a very short meeting in 2 weeks to discuss and vote on the at large candidates. Currently we are not endorsing anyone. District 4, 2 replies. All in favor of Jim. Cara is sending to Lone Star Chapter for them to sign off on. Post on the website and social media all endorsed candidates at the state and local level.

9-30 is for at large vote.

10-14 is next monthly meeting.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 8-19-2020

Approval of July minutes. All were in favor.

Treasurers report. CD gained interest. No other changes. All else the same.

EV show cannot be held at Del Mar. We will have an Electric Vehicle rally starting at Oleander Point to go to the Art Museum. All voted in favor of calling it an Electric Vehicle rally.

Sierra Club support for putting desal on the ballot. We didn’t meet the required number of signatures. The City Council did not vote in favor of putting it on the ballot. We didn’t purchase any ad space this time around. More awareness was created informing the City Council of the impacts of desal.

Photo contest. 5 photos. Teresa displayed. Photo #5 is the winner with 5 votes.

Ideas for area projects with Deep Water Horizon lawsuit money. Could be used for the colonias. Decision will be made at the county level. Errol will ask to get water and sewer to those people. Some talk about San Patricio county getting some of the money as well. Possible use money for an electric ferry or an electric tour boat. Feel free to send Jim additional ideas. Put in subject Deep Water Karma. We need to decide at the next meeting. Canales is running the show.

9 people for mayor seats and 15 people for at large seats for city council plus many for the districts. Cara sent questions to David to ask candidates for mayor. She hasn’t heard back yet. Looking for others to join the political committee. Errol will help as he has time. Catherine will also help out.

Errol raises that multiple non-profits have contacted him because of the support of Blue Water from the Port Aransas Conservancy (PAC) group. They see it as a safety net from a closer threat at Harbor Island. Errol want to hear from PAC first. Cara’s instinct is to fight them all but doesn’t want to shoot herself in the foot. Thinking that PAC would remain neutral if other non-profits choose to fight Blue Water.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 7-15-2020

June minutes approved by all.

Treasure report, no new transactions. Someone needs to check the PO box for checks to deposit. J&T have another key to the box. Teresa will call regarding possible additional charges to our account.

Update for desal petition campaign. The final deadline is this Friday. We will be making a showing of the petition on the 20^th. Even if we don’t meet the threshold, we will present the petition to the city to show the community support for the campaign. It was a great effort and if it were not for COVID-19 we likely would have surpassed the threshold.

Equistar meeting on the 16^th at 7pm. Air permit application. Final deadline for comments. In writing on website or orally at the meeting. Emissions will increase due to gas combustion.

Photo contest proposal by Teresa informal contest on website. Beauty or pollution/trash are the 2 categories. Winners will be posted monthly. 5 photos per person per month can be submitted per person. If a student wins, we will post it was a student winner. ExCom cannot participate.

Dona Park properties. Jim spoke with a realtor who wanted to buy the properties and let him know those properties should not be lived in. If anyone hears from the realtor refer them to Jim.

EV show update. Maybe parade. Domingo Live. Decide by next meeting.

Current City Council is very lacking. We need new people to run. The cut-off date is Aug 17^th.

Nueces County is surveying residents regarding the budget.

Local Sierra Club doing something for local health care providers or cleaning staff. Can we do anything? If so, what? Send Lois an email with ideas and contact information.

Today at the Nueces County Court they spoke about how to spend the Deep Water Horizon funds. Please watch the video of Tim Richardson’s presentation. $400-500 million dollars available for Nueces County that can be used for supplying water and sewer as well as sea level rise to protect beaches and coastal areas. Everyone needs to watch the video! Think about how the money can be used and why other local counties were not mentioned.

To watch Tim Richardson’s presentation:

(1) Go to https://www.nuecesco.com/commissioners-court/live-video-of-meeting and click on Video for July 15, 2020. Or go directly to https://nuecescountytx.new.swagit.com/videos/73672 for the July 15, 2020 meeting video.

(2) On the left side is a Video Index, scroll down about 30% of the way below item K to "1. Receive a presentation from Tim Richardson on maximizing Coastal Bend resiliency in the Deepwater Horizon context." Click on that item to start 4:44 into the meeting and the presentation goes until about 5:24, approximately 40 minutes total.

Eric Rodriquez has been endorsed for Mayor by the local and state chapters.

Sierra Club Coastal Bend Group 6-17-2020

Merchandise on website discussion. We will hold until the farmers market reopens.

Minutes- Jim recommends tabling. All in favor.

Treasure report- Teresa no new transactions. All balances remain the same other than interest in the CD.

Port of CC proposed channel deepening comments. You can email or send a letter until July 3^rd. Tomorrow is last virtual meeting at 4pm. Port Aransas Conservancy has lots of information on their website. We can put a link on our website home page to comment. Eric will take a crack at the first draft for our comments. Draft by this Sunday. There will be other comments addressing social and minority impacts.

National Drive Electric Week- Need to find out if Del Mar will allow us to use the parking lot by Aug. 1^st in order to have the event on Sept 27^th 1-4pm.

CAPE- Press conference tomorrow. Is everyone ok for Jim to represent the Sierra Club? All in favor. 11am tomorrow morning at Oleander Point off of Ocean Drive the press conference will be held. Social distancing is important. The majority of the water will be used for industry. It is possible there will be 5-7 desal plants in our area. 1 has been permitted. It seems that taxpayer money will need to fund desal plants for industry use. The Port has been adjusting their narrative as the facts are presented. They are socializing the costs and privatizing the profits.

Jim suggests the local Sierra Club endorse Eric for Mayor. All voted in favor.

Photo contest is on hold currently.

TCEQ has not been doing cumulative studies for water and air emission studies. It is possible the Railroad Commission could take this up.

Get out and vote!

All voted in favor of making Cara Rose the chair of the political committee.

Next meeting on July 15^th at 6:30pm. Planning for a ZOOM meeting in July and there is an option for calling in.

Sierra Club 5-20-2020

Cyrus Reed and Rebekah Hinojosa joined the meeting to give some updates from the Lonestar Chapter. Searching for a new director in a month from now. Hope to hire by September. Rebekah is the Beyond Dirty Fuels Organizer from Brownsville. She is tasked with overseeing oil and gas projects in the Gulf Coast, one project being the proposed offshore VLCC export terminal called Bluewater Texas. No draft environmental impact statement yet. Jim proposes working with CAPE on the VLCC proposals. Exxon is going forward with the cracking plant but may shelve project Falcon. SPOT project in Freeport is another project Rebecca is working on. LNG terminals in Brownsville have been delayed until 2021 at this time. Some are start-up companies.

Table last meeting minutes.

Treasure report- About $4k in checking plus CD. Teresa will contact Bays Foundation about our donation and possible refund.

Eric will remain chair and Jim will take over temporarily, if needed.

Website update - Not much new other than group email address. Some small modifications on issues area. Please share content with Bob for posting.

Photo contest update - Teresa K. updated we have some gifts from the farmers market that we can use as prizes. Backyard type photos. Timeline in the next month is possible for scaled down contest. A once a month contest was suggested by Teresa C. Use webpage and Facebook to get the word out. Can judge monthly at our meetings. Have photos emailed in to us. We can use photos on the webpage. Jim suggests doing it quarterly so it will be less work. Start June 21- September 20^th. Bob will look into if there can be voting on our website.

CAPE is still working on a ballot measure regarding the desal plants. Contact Jim to sign the petition. Can it be sent out to all the Sierra Club members? Only to the Corpus Christi members. Brine discharge is a big issue if it goes into Corpus Christi Bay. Also, the cost of water has gone up in other communities that have done desal.

First aid training for Sierra Club outings update. It will happen at some point in the future.

Jim involved in buying houses by the refineries to help get people out of the polluted area. They have purchased 16 houses so far. He is looking for donations of $1000 in total. They are sitting on the properties currently. They could possibly give to the Port of Corpus Christi. Lois motions to put the information for donations on our website. All in favor. Motion passed.

Continue monthly meetings on the 3^rd Weds on a conference call. Lois will work on getting members access to join the monthly meetings. Lois will get with Bob.

City might be getting a grant regarding air quality monitors. Can anyone confirm?

Sierra Club 02-19-20

Treasure Report- checking, CD, and saving look good. Will pay rent for meeting space and Earth Day Bay Day.

Farmer’s market update- $23 in donations could have made more if had credit card square. Need to figure items and donations to make sure we break even.

Website update- Bob is cleaning up the site and doing new postings. He will be adding content. Send him comments and content.

Climate change committee brief- not much new.

Earth Day Bay Day/ volunteers- Teresa C will contact Johnny French. Need to 2 people all day to person the tables.

Lone Star Excom brief- Eric will be contacting foundations for funding for different projects. Possible training for outings. Need first aid and CPR training. Legal department looking into VLCCs. Talk about emissions testing around the refineries.

Press and media team- 2 Teresas taking charge of the team. Steph is also part of the team. Need a statement to follow up regarding the explosion and fire at the Marathon pipeline. Eric will see if it is possible to have someone from the state chapter come down for a press briefing.

Suter Park clean up- Suggestions for eco-friendly celebrations at the park. Teresa will get Hal’s stuff out of the garage and put it at other Teresa’s back patio. April 18^th Saturday 9am-noon schedule for clean up.

Possible new social media outreach and mass share through Facebook.

Eric stepping down in June and Jim will be taking over for a time.

Sierra Club is part of CAPE. If interested in anti-desal campaign contact Jim. New seat will be available on commission for the Port. Need diversity on the board. Comments back more diversity on the Port commission.

Pipelines coming from the Permian Basin, two fractionator plants and a 19 tank farm by Violet Rd. There is a huge flare there. It is like daytime all night long. This is all by the school.

Do not swim in Corpus Christi Bay after a rain because of the high levels of bacteria. It spikes for at least 48 hours.

Volunteer opportunity on Feb 29^th at Redhead Pond in Flour Bluff area starts at 8am for pepper tree removal. Bring gloves and ear plugs.

Take a copy of the handout if you want to attend a hearing for a Desal plant.

Sierra Club 01-22-20

Treasurer update- no changes from last month.

Farmer’s market update- brought in about one hundred dollars. Funds given to treasurer.

Website Changes- Bob wants to update the home page to focus on a few things. Exxon/Sabic has all the permits they need so is not a current focus. Members can create documents and share with Bob. He can post them. Maps are helpful. Post important and new permits for comments. Post calendar events. Only send important items to Bob for the website.

Environmental communication sub-committee could be formed in the future for people interested.

Teresa C. showed interest in taking over for ex-com meetings from Eric.

Earth Day Bay Day- Teresa C thinks we should raise the money for the sponsorship. All voted in favor at $100 sponsor level. Teresa C. will write the check.

Photo shoot contest- On going work on the contest. Looking good, needs some tweaking.

Del Mar will accept the free EV charger from the Sierra Club.

Desal brief- Black Chamber of Commerce is interested in CAPE doing a presentation. Increased salinity has been killing oysters. Water rates will go up. There might be a proposal to ban desal plants by another non-profit group. Could be hashed out on Feb. 6^th meeting. People opposing the Harbor Island desal received a big grant.

City Climate Plan- Tabled to next meeting.

Suter Park Clean up- Eric will figure out a time. Use of a leaf sucker for small plastic. Eric to see if we can be a sponsor for the park.

This Saturday night Chinese New Year at T & J’s place. After 6pm. Year of the metal rat.

New job opening for a Gulf Coast organizer at the Sierra Club.

 

Sierra Club 12-18-19

Introductions 6:40pm

Treasure report. All looks good in checking and our CDs.

Farmer’s Market update. Lots of interest in the local chapter. Handed out flyers. Took in $25 of donations. Some talk about borrowing a 6 foot table. Checking to see if we can have an additional table. Jan. 8^th is the next Farmer’s Market 5pm-8pm.

Student scholarship. One prospect. Nominating Alberto for a scholarship for a membership. Teresa nominates and Lois seconds. All in favor. Need to put $15 check in the mail. Must have 1903 number for our club.

Photo shoot contest. Teresa is working on the rules currently.

Desal press conference brief. Good media coverage. Need to send email out to all members for future events. Good event Eric took the lead and other groups have joined in. The council was going to vote on many things at the same time and we were able to get the vote separated. We need to hold a couple of people back so they can comment later. Next council meeting will be the 14^th. Port has been donating vast sums of money to the Mayor and City Council’s re-elections funds. Eric proposes we contest the permits for desal. There will be a get together the 1^st week of Jan. 2020. Contested case needs to prove financial harm. 2 city permits for desal. The city is using money that could be used to fixed potholes in our streets for desal permits. All voted in favor of we contest the desal permits.

Earth Day Bay Day sponsor. $500.00. Del Mar is also having a green week. Jan 31^st is deadline for Del Mar to accept our free EV charger. Motion to sponsor based on response from Adriana for displays. All voted in favor.

Tabled Climate Change discussion until next meeting.

Motion to donate to the Progressive Center $25 per meeting. All voted in favor.

Elections per slate of officers listed by Lois. 3 times offered for other nominations. Motion to elected by acclimation. All voted in favor.

Adjourn 8:05 pm

Sierra Club 11-20-19

No Treasurer report-

Farmers market update- Took in $55. Main reason is to raise awareness. Many people showed interest. Dec 4^th is next Farmers market. 5pm-8pm

Coastal Bend group elections- Current slate with new webmaster and data person. Many interest group openings currently. Motion to accept slate of officers. All voted in favor.

Student scholarship membership- Eric moves and Teresa 2nds to start a scholarship program for students. All in favor. Talk of students coming to an event sign up. Add a student update to our monthly meeting.

World Affairs Council update- Sounded like it went well.

Sabic/Exxon/Cape update- They have applied for permits for a 2^nd facility. Water is key. Discussion on TCEQ permitting of desal facilities. Nurdle patrol monthly count for baseline around the plant (nurdlepatrol.org). Focus on areas of outflows and railroad tracks (with much caution). Once a month. Tues Dec. 3^rd Aransas Pass Civic Center 6-8pm is a meeting regarding new development in the area. Dec. 10^th meeting regarding flood insurance. Dec. 12 LWV-CC meeting at Del Mar Center for Economic Development 11:30-1pm will address industries coming to our area.

Earth Day Bay Day April 4th- Possibly bring succulents. Bring EVs again. We normally sponsor the event. Also this year is the 50^th of Earth Day on April 22, 2020.

Sept 27^th Sunday for National Drive Electric Week.

Feb 1-2 is Fully Charged world event in Austin this year.  [Anyone interested in electric vehicles will want to look in to this event.  John Weber has more info.]

Amazing student wants to have a photo contest.  Besides wanting to take beautiful nature photos he also wants photos of trash. Amateurs of all ages. Meetings taking place. After the holidays will start nailing down details.

Website updated.  New members should sign up on our Coastal Bend Group website so we can get 100% of new member remittance.

Dec 18^th Holiday meeting, bring a snack.   Group elections.

Submitted by John Weber

SC Oct 16^th minutes 2019

Treasure report given by Teresa C. and suggestions for some small donations to other groups from TC

Membership report from Lois. Membership party was excellent. Teresa K suggests that we look into giving student memberships. Lois to send a  thank you to host. Gave speakers given stuffed turtles as a gift

Date to start at farmers market? Once a month. Reason is outreach and getting new members. Nov 6^th is first date, runs at 5pm-8pm. 1^st Weds of the month there after. Suggested donations for merchandise. Lois working on merchandise and membership flyers. 1903 is our group ID number. Errol moves and Eric 2^nd motion to do our own post cards to members for elections. Passed. Offices- chair, vice-chair, treasurer, secretary. Nominating committee chair is Michele

Team up with Jace for nurdle patrol

Bays Foundation awards foundation Nov 12^th. Suters are receiving an award. Errol motions to get a table. Errol will pitch in $200, Jim pitch in $200. Eric will work on getting 8 people to attend 5:30 – 9:00. Lois 2^nd. Passed

Ad for CC Ballet deadline Nov 10 $125.00. Darrin will do ad. Lois motion, John seconded, passed

Table small donations until next meeting

Table speakers until next meeting

Formosa settlement was good. ED of TCEQ said there will be a contested case for the Harbor Island desal. Nov. 6^th hearing regarding contested case hearing. Only one fighting it is the Port. Possible funding for hearings and appeals. Community air monitoring proposals needed by Nov 13th. Permian to Gulf Coast pipeline group 11^th – 13th meeting at the usual place. This Sunday 6pm Keep Her Wild in Port A. City of Portland is promoting a master plan that was voted down 3-2. Hillcrest relocation package. A Port commissioner, Mr. Bower said Hillcrest is a wasteland. 100 families want to stay. Port did not disavow statement. At the Nueces county meeting Judge Canneles commented it was outrageous what the commissioner said. She wants the Port is disavow the statement. All the commissioners backed her up

Lois wants a big outreach and education regarding desa

Nov 25 deadline for letter regarding methane comments

Nov 9, Social Forum at Del Mar 9am-5pm free at Wolfe Recital Hall.

Submitted by John Weber

SC Minutes August 14th

11 people in attendance for an outdoor meetin

Spoke about the upcoming EV event. Already more people have signed up than last year. We look on track to doubling the number of vehicles at the event this year.

Treasures report. All ok

Members party at Jean’s place. Looks like Oct 12^th is the date. Evening. Type of dress. Casual. Possible pool party. Checking with Jean. Possible speaker.

Water board flood planning. $800 million for flood plan. Their mission is to deliver water not to control flooding. Local projects. Jim provided hand out with details. Accepting comments on website. By August 30th. FEMA maps are what the insurance companies use.

New meeting place. At one of our members house. Meet here in Sept. 3^rd Weds. 9-18.

Farmer’s market at Art Center on Weds night. 5-8pm Once a month. Need to be able to make money selling the merchandise. $500 to spend on merch passes vote. Jim 1^st and Teresa 2nds.

Sept 16^th. Public meeting for Exxon’s east terminal air permit. There will be emissions and flares. 1/3 of operations will be the liquids stored at the east terminal. Comments due in writing before the public meeting.

Dredging to 75 feet comments due August 30. Port Aransas Conservancy good website for deadlines ect…

Project Dynomo is Steel Dynamics    Falcon?  Dalia

Projects will require lots of water 5-6 year out. The city plans to use the desal plants for these projects.

 Steel Dynamics ask for the help of AEP. Could be the biggest power user in state of Texas

EPIC pipeline 400,000 barrels a day of shale oil is ramping up

Nov 9^th. Coastal Bend Social Form. Music building all day event

Eric is now chair and Jim vice-chair. Voted all in favor.

END

SC April 17^th, 2019 Minutes

1-Call to order 6:40 Chair calls us to orde

2-Approval of minutes, all in favo

3-Treasurer’s report, N

4-Review of EDBD. Very successful. More supervision of cars needed. Maybe photo contest. Teresa K and Lois want to more on photo contest. Jim was the tattoo king. Lots of people had not heard of the Sierra Club. Milkweed plants brought in $118. Absolong became a butterfly! Victory in changing of the wording for the anti-Tesla bill.

5-Review of public meeting on desalination plant and discussion of how to proceed. The Corps of Engineers will be requiring an EIS to go to the 75 foot depth to deepen the ship channel. 18 month time frame. All people speaking at the public meeting spoke against the desalination plant. From poor to upper class all were against the plant. Possible flawed data presented by the Port of CC.  The Port of CC will not run the plant. This may not be legal. The people have a right to know who may operate the plant. 5 proposed desalination plant locations

6-Discussion of possible member’s appreciation party. We can contact Jean first. Both Teresas and Lois will work on this. Program, date, location. Shoot for June/Jul

Need a conversation regarding the Ports vision vs the People’s vision of the Corpus and surrounding cities

7-Discussion and possible action on upcoming VLCC issue. Very Large Crude Carriers issued lease to Carlyle Group. As important as the desal plants from a PR standpoint. Harbor Island is a Superfund Site. Massive wakes of the VLCCs up to 6 feet. Framing to get the feed to the goats. Green Team could get the word out. Motion by Teresa K that the messaging plan #don’t fart in the closet be in place by next meeting. John 2^nd motion. Motion passed

8-Report on Exxon/Sabic litigation. Due May 4^th. Further update next monthj.

9-Any other new business. Need a techie person. Website changes coming. HB2771 was approved by house to dump fracking water anywhere.

10-Announcements. May 13^th  5:30 pm desal 101 at the Bays Foundation. Del Mar Center for Economic Development. May 4^th CAPE 9am-1pm meeting if interest contact Jim K.  April 22^nd Del Mar East Campus Harvin Center Retama Rm 6:30 Climate Change Form. Come one and come all including gassers!

John will get cards printed up for next meeting for Sept. event.

11-Adjourn 8:40 pm       Submitted by John Webe

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SC March 20, 2019

1-Call to order 6:40pm

2-Approval of minutes, approved

3-Treasurer’s report, approved

4-Discussion of trade issues, US withdrawn from NAFTA, USMCA, new trade agreement to start next month with Mexico/Canada. No new environmental safeguards.

5-Discussion of Earth Day/ Bay Day, Set up at 8am, we will sell milkweed, display 3 EVs.  Heritage Park March 28^th at 11am at the city for proclamation. Can get up to 6 cars.

6-Updates on Exxon/Sabic and proposed annexation. Discussion of old news to update people who missed those meetings. Discussion about the city council and the last council meeting regarding annexing properties. Need new EIS for dredging to 75 feet deep. Lease has been put on hold on harbor island by the 5^th circuit court. May 4^th is proposed decision date.

7-Discussion, possible action on anti-EV legislation, senate bill 1415, house bill 2940 we oppose. Need to get bill tagged. Contingent motion to oppose senate bill 1415 and house bill 2940. Teresa and Teresa motioned and 2^nd, passed. Hal will speak with the state chapter. John will ask Telsa corporate what we can do to help.

8-Discussion, possible action on proposed desalination plant. Port has a draft permit 50 million gallons per day on Harbor Island. Port is shopping around to hand off the permit to another party. Disposal of the brine is main issue. April 8^th 7pm at the Port Aransas Civic Center is the public meeting. Motion to oppose, Jim and 2^nd made by Teresa. Lois brought up where future drinking water will come from. Hal brought up the opposition to this specific plant in this specific location. Teresa brought up the critters being sucked into the pipe and the discharged waste. Not including damage caused from generating the power to run the desalination plant. The Coastal Bend chapter opposes the desalination plant be built on Harbor Island or in Corpus Christi or Nueces Bay. Teresa motioned, Alvin second to request a contested case hearing. Motion passed 

9-any other new business

10- announcements, listen to the Vice Chair, 10:30am this Sunday Voice of the Costal Bend will be promoting EDBD. Earth Hour is March 30^th 8:30pm.

Submitted by John Weber

---

SC minutes 2-20-19

Call to order at 6:36

Approval of minutes, approved

Treasurer’s report, approved

Presented award to Team Citco at Suter Park on February 9th at the Heart your Park event.

Discussion Exxon/Sabic. Briefs due this Friday. Replies due the following Friday. May 4^th decisions due. Early June to the commissioners. Appeal will start after that. No risk management plan. Withholding of confidential business information. Public can’t know processes with the withholding of information. Likely Exxon/Sabic will accept the decision. The judge was replaced with two new judges at the last minute.

Steel plant proposed to come to town.

Discussion Port Aransas Desalination plant. Spoke about the meeting at Port A. Contested case hearing in limbo. Multiple lawyers could be involved. Fund raising is happening now regarding hiring the lawyers. The City of Port Isabel was denied standing in a case with TCEQ regarding a natural gas project. 494 comments on file. Port A will have the VLCCs, the desal, and the dredging to contend with. EIS in 2003 for dredging. Now wanting to go to 75 feet deep. The Port wants to dredge without a new EIS. It may drain the wetlands.

Coastal Bend Bay’s Foundation. March 5^th Clean River’s, April 6^th EDBD, May 14^th Desal panel at Del Mar, they accept memberships. 20^th year, green tech, skills USA, Omni globe, solar, wind, EV cars, zoo, ARK, fashion show, climate vs weather, art show 20 years of posters, Jenny is contact for show set up. Treasure can use hot link to pay by March 20^th. Accepting volunteers.

Discussion/possible action on Trifigura offshore terminal. Broken Leg has the most information but is not at the meeting. The Port is against it. Sea grass could be destroyed by laying the pipeline. It would be beyond the 12 mile limit and not subject to regulation. Concerned with the location. It will be an oil export terminal. There is very much local opposition. Voted in favor of opposing Trifigura offshore terminal.

Any other business. None.

Announcements. . Big Shell clean up this weekend. 8am on Saturday. Thurs 2-28 widening state hwy 286 meeting. Building 2 at Texas DOT.

Next meeting on March 20^th.

Adjourn          Submitted by John Weber

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SC Meeting Minutes 1-16-2019

Minutes approved.

No treasure report due to an injury of the Treasurer during a boxing match with an oil baron.

Exxon/Sabic update by Harold. The contested case hearing is next Thursday in Austin. It is scheduled to be a Thursday, Friday, and Monday event. The location of the operation was a mistake made by Exxon. Water use will also be a huge issue. If they would have chosen a better location they made have not met any resistance from the local population. After the hearing a decision will be made and Exxon can agree to the decision or appeal the decision.

Discussion explaining how permitting works by Hal.

Port Aransas Conservancy website has permitting information on it.

Discussion of the working of the Port Commission by Harold.

Green Team discussion by Jim.

Room 610 Trinity Towers is where Carolyn is located. Feel free to visit her.

Jan. 20^th 4pm SPID and Staples in front of Starbuck funeral for Citizen’s United.

Feb. 9^th Chinese New Year Celebration at J & T’s place.

Sept 15^th NDEW.

April 6^th EDBD.

Feb. 20^th SC next meeting.

Adjourn at 9pm. ( Submitted by John Weber )

---

Geust speakers

October 17, John Donovan, Port Aransas Conservancy.
August 15, Teresa Carrillo, Oso Creek Oso Bay I-PLAN
July 18, Hal Surer, Responsible Trade
May 16,  Jace Tunnell, Mission Aransas Reserve
April 18, Rocky Fruend, Nueces River Authority.
March 21, 2018, Teresa Klein, "Jiu Jitsu - Hot to talk with climate change deniers
February 21, Neil McQueen, Citizens Climate Lobby
January 17, Pat Suter, History of the local environmental movement
November 15, 7pm  Holly Grand, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
September 18, 6pm, Climate Change speaking tour of Texas (with CEC & Environmental Democrats
July 18, 7pm  Ray Allen, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program
June 21, 7pm  Susan Clewis, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
April 19, 7pm First Coastal Bend Sierra Group evening meeting
May 11, 5:30pm, Membership Appreciation Party, Guest speaker:  Maclovic Perez, Topic:  Climate Change - the facts.

Sierra Club 10-17-18 minutes

     Meeting was called to order at 6:40 by chair Hal Suter.  Lois volunteered to serve as secretary.  Treasurers report was provided by Lois and subsequently copies were provided by Teresa.  A bill for $150 to cover the cost of our meeting room from July to December was received.  
     Hal reported that the questionaires for the candidates were not sent out.  A review of recommended candidates followed.  
     The November meeting will be rescheduled due to Thanksgiving.  
     There was discussion about having a Christmas party and raising funds for expert witnesses for the upcoming Exxon hearing as well as our group.  Suggestion to ask guests to please bring their checkbooks.  Suggestion that we restart sending a newsletter to our members; John W will be asked if he is interested in taking on this task.  Teresa reviewed the financial report.  A motion was made to cash in the IBC CD.  Motion by Errol, second by Teresa.
    The Exxon-SABIC contested case final hearing will be in mid to late January.  Sen. Safarini has asked for a public meeting on the marine terminal, the storage terminal for Exxon right next to the 13th signature hole of the the Port Aransas Country Club.  Various groups are in San Patricio county are interested in forming a Coastal Alliance to Protect the Environment (CAPE), looking at desal issues, the contested cases on the air permit and public meeting on the maine terminal.  Mention was made of 325 new plants. Errol exlained the video symposium he is coordinating.  He noted that virgin plastic is cheaper than recycled plastic.
    Guest speaker John Donovan from the Port Aransas Counservancy provided an overview of what is being proposed for Port Aransas.  Their website, www.portaransasconservancy.com, provides an excellent review of the project and explains what local citizens do not want.
     Meeting was adjourned by Hal Suter.    Submitted by Lois Huff

Sierra Club 9-19-18 minutes

1- Call to order by Hal
2- Approval of minutes
3- Treasure’s report, assumed to be the same as the prior month.
4- National Drive Electric Week update. Reactions from kids was amazing. Drawing pictures of the EVs. Pacifica Van was the hit of the show.
5- Discussion of political committee. To meet on Friday at 1pm at the Progressive Center.
6- Conservation reports and discussion; possible action if needed- Exxon/Sabic contested case hearing, proposed offshore oil export terminal plus any other issues members wish to discuss. There will be a contested case hearing for Exxon/Sabic. Senate Bill 709 grants 6 months to hold a hearing. Judge agreed to a 2 month extension. This pushes it to the end of May for decision. Pellets and liquid will be the finished products. Huge tanks will be used to store the liquid. Also cargo dock will be used to off load parts of the plant that are built over seas.
7- Beginning of discussion as to how the Sierra Club and other environmentally concerned citizens can develop a green alternative to the plans of the Port of Corpus Christi and others to massively industrialize the area in response to the relatively cheap energy costs from the Eagle Ford Shale. Proposed 12.7 mile pipeline for an off shore oil export terminal. Corpus could become the next Port Arthur.
8- Announcements
9- Adjourn        Submitted by John Weber

Sierra Club 8-15-18

Call to order

Approval of minutes, defer until next meeting

Treasurer’s report, no change from previous month. 

Update Exxon/Sabic project- preliminary Case Hearing. Ethane cracking plant. Hal explained air and water permitting. Also he explained standing. S.C. opted out of the contested case hearing. Sept 6th 10am preliminary contested case hearing regarding the air permit. Water permit has been granted. Secret maneuver will be discussed at the next meeting. 

Electric Vehicle event, updated group and handed out material. (Details follow)

Social media person, Scott Haggerty or Adrean Clark?

Any new business, Choke Canyon fracking update. Garage sale? Maybe Sept. 22nd or 29th. 

Speaker- Teresa Carrillo gave water quality presentation and update. She spoke about the I-Plan. 

Announcements- Next meeting Sept 19th. 

Adjourn.  Submitted by John Weber

Electric Car Event: SUNDAY, September 9th, 1 - 4 pm, Del Mar Center for Economic Development, S Staples & Kostoryz  

June 27 2018 Coastal Bend Group meeting minutes.

Call to order.

Approval of minutes, Lois reads minutes. Approved.

Treasurer’s report, did not materially change from last month. We continue to receive large donations for the legal fees regarding the Exxon plant.

Update on Exxon/Sabic. They are having more trouble than they expected. They started quickly to get permits. They need two air permits and one waste water permit. They started with the water permit to show they were moving forward. They wanted to make it look like it was a done deal. TCEQ needed to answer the comments from the public. It took them about 3 months to respond. Outfall by Egory Island. The people in other impacted counties were not notified before the water permit public meeting and are filing for reconsideration because of lack of notification. It will be presented on Weds July 25^th at the TCEQ offices in north Austin. They are building their water intake pipeline currently. Air permit, good crowd, slightly in their favor because of people in Corpus Christi. Jim read testimonials for Portland. Elon Lavin will represent the people. Talk about buyout offers not being fair for those in the sacrifice zone, buyout zone. The Sierra Club has not joined the contested case hearing at this time. Six figures will be needed for the legal fees. We have a good expert witness. The TCEQ modeling is incorrect. The staff needs to respond to the filing. The more it looks like a circus the better it looks for our cause. The media is editing stories in the favor of the plant. Talk of another possible plant owned by a Japanese company. Some talk of Exxon’s poor tax paying record as well as poor past record of running plants. Agencies are funded by the legislature who are supporting the industries.

Other conservation issues. Supreme Court will not be something to be counted on in the future.

Speaker- Hal Suter’s responsible trade talk postphoned. Luis Powel in 1971. He came up with PACs, political action committees. All is interconnected. Politics is necessary.

Requested an email of who the Sierra Club is endorsing. Teresa Klien moves that Hal begins the process of endorsing Eric Hougin for US Congress. For the Greater Good seems to be doing good things in our area. Move passes with all in favor.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by John Weber

May 16 2018 Coastal Bend Group meeting minutes.

Call to order

Approval of minutes, minutes approved by all.

Treasurer’s Report, 73.03 checking 25.00 savings CDs 3894.09 and 3687.81, in addition to the large special fund for the legal suit against Exxon/Sabic that continues to grow daily.

Letter from CBBF was passed around

New business, sports complex proposed by the city south of the Oso River has sewer issues. Fake news article regarding electric cars polluting more than ICE cars by Jonathan Lesser. NAFTA talks have ignored environmental concerns. Late October march the vote event to get more people to vote. Desalination plant is proposed on the North Bay. The Port is promoting bringing more petrochemical plants to the area. More investigation will be started by Hal.

Report of group activities related to Exxon/Sabic. Our website is being trolled by some related to Exxon. TCEQ may be sued under the endangered species act by the Center for Biological Diversity. We filed a request for reconsideration with TCEQ and have retained an expert witness. Conference call tomorrow night to clarify rules and procedures. Identify yourself as a Sierra Club member.  John will email link to Hal regarding TCEQ’s 2018 Air Quality Plan.

Exxon/Sabic discussion in re: public meeting 5/22/18  7pm in Portland.

Speaker: Jace Tunnel, Mission Aransas Reserve. Gave an excellent presentation named Connecting People to Estuaries. Missionaransas.org website can be used to access data.

Adjourn

Submitted by John Weber

April 18, 2018 Coastal Bend Group meeting minutes

Hall calls to order.
Approval of minutes will be done at next meeting on May 16^th after they are posted.
Treasurers report. Savings $25 Checking $468 CDs $3,894   $500 is owed for Earth Day, Bay Day Members pitched in money while at the meeting to help cover expenses. Amount will be accounted for on the next report.
Quick recap from Hal regarding Earth Day, Bay Day. It was cold and windy. We will need more prior planning next year to raise funds if we want to be a sponsor of the event.
No party for May this year, just our normal meeting on May 16^th.
Fund raising committee will consist of Lois, Pat, Teresa, and John.
Jason agreed to help Carolyn with postings on social media.
Refreshments for future meetings were brought up by Hal who has been bringing them with Pat to the meetings. It was not decided how we will proceed in the future.
Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (aka Exxon) discussion and action. Hal will attend physically or by phone a meeting on April 28^th in Austin regarding the proposed plant. Members should ask for reconsideration. We need to decide what to ask for before the 9^th of May. We need to speak with other interested parties sharing our concerns.
The air permit meeting will be on May 22^nd or after. There was a motion, a second and was passed; The Sierra Club will ask for a contested case hearing.
There was a motion, a second and was passed; The Sierra Club will ask for reconsideration due to lack of notice in Refugio and Aransas County citizens.
Harold attended a Plastics Pollution Conference and a group wants to come to the site of the proposed plastic plant in Portland on May 15^th. He wanted to make us aware of this.
Guest Speaker was Rocky Freund, the deputy executive director of the Nueces River Authority. She provided us the history and current condition of the water shed including our water supply as well as our waste water challenges.
Submitted by John Weber

SC Coastal Bend Group meeting minutes 3-21-18

Treasure Report-Checking- $198.03 Savings $25.00 CD NAFCU $3,679.56 CD IBC $3,894.09, all excepted treasure’s report.
Approval of minutes, approved by all.
Discussion of ED BD: money, volunteers ect.. New spot this year, 2 cars to display. We can share space with Portland group. We need more donation money. John will make hand out cards for events. Hal will buy things to sell at the table. Need to get cards to students for EV event.
Discussion of Facebook, Zoom for SC meetings..
Hal will find out how much money Zoon costs. Members in Portland, Kingsville, and Victoria. Working on having meetings so others can be part of the meeting.
Discussion of Exxon/Sabic .  Hal explained water and air permitting for proposed cracking plant. Any other new business
Guest Speaker: Teresa Klein on Jiu Jistu Persuasion, How to Talk with Climate Change Deniers
Submitted by John Weber

Wednesday, February 21, 2018   Coastal Bend Sierra Club meeting minutes.