The Bayou Banner
May 2017 Edition
General Meeting, May 11, 2017 — Geothermal Power Using Existing Oil and Gas Wells
On Thursday evening, May 11, Frank Smith of Sologen Systems will talk about developing geothermal power plants in the gulf coast region of Texas. The SoloGen Geothermal Power Plant will utilize existing oil and gas wells with geo-pressured geothermal resources for the co-production of geothermal energy and natural gas/condensate to produce utility scale, base-load electricity.
The event is free and open to the public at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1805 West Alabama, Houston. Main program starts 7:30 PM. Doors open 7:00 PM.
Need to weed out a few things? This is advance notice of the our Houston Sierra Club annual yard sale, where you can “recycle” no longer needed items. The planned date for this year’s sale is Saturday, May 6, to be held at “CORAZON Fair Trade”, 2318 Waugh (at the corner with Fairview in Montrose). We will gladly accept most saleable items, including clothing, knickknacks, furniture, books, etc. We also need help the day of the sale, particularly for the morning set up and the afternoon knock-down.
Go here for more information.
The Houston METRO Board has started the process to develop a new Regional Transportation Plan that will define the next steps for transit and mobility improvements in the Houston region. No timeline has been published to date for development of the plan or public meetings, so it is not clear if any plan proposal will be ready in time for a public vote in November 2017. METRO will be considering possible light rail line expansion, commuter rail, improved bus service, etc.
Go here for more information.
It is rare these days to take on the big and powerful and win, but that is just what the Sierra Club did in our years-long lawsuit against ExxonMobil for more than 16,000 violations of the Clean Air Act at its Baytown, Texas, refinery. This may be the largest ever penalty from a citizen-initiated environmental lawsuit under the Clean Air Act. A federal district court has ordered ExxonMobil to pay nearly $20 million! This victory would not have been possible without members willing to step up and say no to polluters, and the great work of our Clean Air Program Director, Neil Carman.
Go here for more information.
In 2010, the Houston Sierra Club Group officially adopted the stretch of beach at the North Jetty on the Bolivar Peninsula as part of the Texas “Adopt-A-Beach Program”. The North Jetty is a special spot to visit because of its proximity to Houston Audubon’s Bolivar Flats Sanctuary, with its variety of bird habitat and wildlife viewing, and it offers a great view of ship traffic entering Galveston Bay.
Go here for more information.
Compost Pick Up by Bike! Taking Compost to the Next Level of Green
A number of diverse entrepreneurs and groups have started compost pick up services by bike, providing completely sustainable operations. The videos featured below come from locations across the country. One of the largest and most established services is in Austin, TX. Be sure to check out “Carter’s Compost”, about an 8-year-old Michigan boy who started his own service. He’s informed, motivated and knows his business.
Go here for more information.
Kroger Community Rewards Program: Re-link for 2017
The Houston Sierra Club participates in the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Each year our members/supporters must re-link their Kroger Plus Card to participate in the program. If you haven’t yet re-linked your Kroger Card for the 2017 cycle, please do so now.
Go here for more information.
By JR Johnson
I am a nature-loving free spirit who loves to camp, hike and backpack our National Forests and State Parks in Texas and other parts of the United States. I also travel to Mexico and Central America, often to study Mayan ruins which has been a passion of mine for more than 47 years.
Go here for more information.
Get Outdoors!
For information on upcoming outings in the Houston area, check out our MeetUp site or our Outings Calendar on our website.