H-GAC COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE
Director's Welcome
This is the June issue of the Houston-Galveston Area Council's (H-GAC's) Community and Environmental Planning (C&E) E-newsletter. We hope this monthly newsletter will keep you up to date on the wide variety of community planning, economic development and environmental planning programs going on at H-GAC. We want this information to be useful and are very interested in your feedback! If you have any questions about any of our programs, please feel free to contact me at 713-993-4560 or Jeff.Taebel@h-gac.com. To unsubscribe, add another subscriber or offer any comments on the e-newsletter, please e-mail cep_news@h-gac.com. To view the current and past editions of the e-newsletter visit:
www.h-gac.com/CEeNewsletter
Please click on the links below to view information regarding each topic.
IN THIS ISSUE
Countdown to Cool Savings this Summer
Public Television Features Green Building Series
Houston Participates in 'Green' Initiative
Clean Rivers Program Steering Committee to Meet This Month
Funding Available for Coastal Wetlands Protection
H-GAC to Host Two Storm Debris Workshops
H-GAC Program Chosen as Finalist for Award
TCEQ Recognizes Metzger
TCEQ Launch Take Care of Texas Campaign
EPA Adopts ´Green´ Conference Policy
New EPA Web Site Makes It Easier To Be Good Environmental Stewards
Sustainable Water Infrastructure DVD and Case Studies
KAB Man – A Superhero for the Environment
Staples Starts First National Retail Electronics Collection Based on Recycling Pilot
Compact Flourescent Lamps
Earth911 - A Powerful Tool for Local Programs
EPA to Revise Definition of Solid Waste
H-GAC MEETING NOTICES
Storm Debris: Role of FEMA, State and Local Governments in Funding Debris Removal
Houston Ship Channel/Upper Galveston Bay Dioxin TMDL Stakeholder Meeting
Storm Debris: BMPs and Upcoming Federal and State Policy Changes
Smart Growth Initiative
Environmental Enforcement Roundtable
IN THIS ISSUE
Countdown to Cool Savings this Summer
The heat of summer may be right around the corner, but consumers and small businesses can stay cool and protect the environment by following five recommendations from EPA.
The average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. With a few steps like seasonal maintenance of energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, consumers can save on their energy bills and help reduce the risks of global warming.
EPA recommends the following 5 steps to help consumers and small businesses count down to a cooler planet and a more energy-efficient home:
1. Find and seal air leaks that cause drafts and make your cooling system work overtime. Sealing and insulating your home can prevent the loss of cooled air and help save up to 10 percent on your energy bills each year.
2. Look for the Energy Star when purchasing cooling products for your home. Products such as room air-conditioners and programmable thermostats that have earned the Energy Star operate more efficiently, which saves money and help protect the environment.
3. Schedule annual, pre-season maintenance checkups with a licensed contractor to ensure that your cooling system is operating efficiently and safely. Be sure to clean or change your system's air filter regularly (generally once a month).
4. Install a programmable thermostat and use your ceiling fans wisely. Turn your thermostat up several degrees when you are away (and your home doesn't need to be kept as cool). And use your ceiling fans only when you are in the room to save even more.
5. Visit the interactive web-based tool, Energy Star @ home, to learn more ways to make your home energy-efficient. Homeowners can see where they're doing well, find areas for improvement and learn how they can use energy more efficiently to save money and enjoy year-round comfort in their home. Homeowners will also be able to share their home improvement stories or read and learn about others who have saved through energy-efficient upgrades.
Many of these same tips for consumers are also useful for small businesses. In fact, with energy saving improvements throughout their facilities, small businesses can save up to 25 percent or higher on their energy bills.
EPA started the Energy Star program in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions to save energy, money and protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organizations participate in the Energy Star program. In 2006 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $14 billion in energy costs and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million vehicles.
Tips on making your home more energy-efficient can be found at http://www.energystar.gov/home. For advice for small businesses go to http://www.energystar.gov/smallbiz.
On a related note, Lisa Gray from the Houston Chronicle discusses her opinions on the indoor temperatures that have Texans bundling up to stave off a chill in the workplace during the summer months. Read her recent article, "Baby, it's cold inside."
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Public Television Features Green Building Series
A new weekly television series about building green homes and buildings will start airing on HoustonPBS July 6, at 8:30 p.m.. The "Building Green" series will examine eco-friendly building techniques and alternatives.
"Many people don´t realize that buildings cause more CO2 emissions than cars," said Kevin Contreras, host and creator of the show. "In fact, buildings and their construction account for nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumed in this country each year. By providing people access to information about how they can build greener, I believe we can better sustain our planet, one home at a time." (http://www.buildinggreentv.com/)
Houston's local PBS station has scheduled the series to begin in their Friday night "Green Spot". HoustonPBS created this regularly scheduled "Green Spot" in April starting with "design:e2 The Economies of Being Environmentally Conscious". This six-part series explores the vitality of the environment through eco-friendly architecture. Narrated by Brad Pitt, the series introduces us to the inventive leaders and technologies driving sustainable practices worldwide in the design of buildings where we live, work, and play. June 22 the series concludes with "Deeper Shades of Green," featuring green-building pioneers and visionaries, Ken Yeang, Werner Sobek and William McDonough. (http://www.design-e2.com/)
On June 29 Channel 8 will air "Greener Buildings, Bluer Skies", a one-time program, featuring interviews with Robert Redford and narrated by Ted Danson, that explores the concepts and techniques behind one of the most environmentally efficient buildings in the world, the National Resources Defense Council headquarters in Santa Monica, California. (http://www.koce.org/prodGreener.htm)
In addition to these national series, HoustonPBS has two local shows that specifically address "our own back yard". On Living Smart this season Patti Gras will profile and interview local personalities Juan Parras on protecting the environment (Sunday, July 8 at 3:00 p.m. and Thursday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m.) and Dan Phillips on building homes from recycled materials (Sunday, July 22 at 3:00 p.m. and Thursday, July 26 at 1:30 p.m.). For more information on any of these programs you can visit HoustonPBS online at http://www.houstonpbs.org/.
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Houston Participates in 'Green' Initiative
Former President Bill Clinton just announced a new initiative to offer billions of dollars to 16 cities around the world to make their buildings "greener." Houston is one of three U.S. cities that will be participating in the program. Listen to Houston Mayor Bill White as he talks to NPR's Madeleine Brand about how he plans to make the Bayou City greener: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10258225&ft=1&f=17.
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Clean Rivers Program Steering Committee to Meet This Month
The Draft 2006 303(d) "List of Impaired Waters in the State of Texas" included 58 additional water bodies in the Houston-Galveston area that are impaired by bacteria. These listings confirm what H-GAC partners are finding in area waterways – bacteria contamination is increasing. It is important for people to realize that with these listings, additional burdens may be placed on municipal and industrial wastewater permit holders. Participation in the data collection and assessment process provides stakeholders the opportunity to help develop programs that will collect appropriate data for use in permitting. You can see a summary of the Draft 2006 303(d) list at www.h-gac.com/wrpublications.
The steering committee, which includes representatives from the general public, industry, business, agriculture, environmental groups, and government, is charged with setting priorities within its basins. The committee is designed to allow local concerns to be addressed and regional solutions to be identified and recommended for a watershed management approach. Approval of the new work plan will direct the monitoring efforts of H-GAC's partners over the next biennium. Accurate and appropriate surface water quality data is necessary for determining the aquatic life uses for streams and determining whether water bodies meet state water quality standards or not. In addition, TCEQ uses the Clean Rivers Program data to establish wastewater permit criteria and site-specific water quality standards. Water quality data collection is guided by the Coordinated Monitoring Schedule which is established each year in March for the upcoming fiscal year.
You can access the Coordinated Monitoring Schedule at http://cms.lcra.org/ to see where H-GAC and its partners currently monitor. The Draft FY08 monitoring schedule, which begins September 1, 2007, will be posted by May 15th.
On Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., H-GAC staff will present the final Clean Rivers Program FY08-09 Work plan and budget for approval by the Basin Steering Committee. The work plan and budget can be found at www.h-gac.com/wrpublications. Any comments or questions can be directed to Todd Running, Clean Rivers Program Manager at todd.running@h-gac.com.
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Funding Available for Coastal Wetlands Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is now accepting applications for its National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. This program was established to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal states through competitive matching grants to state agencies. The primary goal of the program is the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Coastal wetlands are valuable resources. They protect against flooding, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. Coastal environments are important economically, generating billions of dollars annually through such industries as commercial fishing and tourism.
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program provides states with a means of protecting and restoring these valuable resources. Projects can include (1) acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters from willing sellers or partners (coastal wetlands ecosystems) for long-term conservation or (2) the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems for long-term conservation. Examples of restoration efforts that could be funded include:
- Restoring wetland hydrology by plugging drainage ditches, breaking tile drainage systems, installing water control structures, dike construction, and re-establishing historic connections with waterways.
- Planting native vegetation.
- Removal of exotic plants and animals that compete with native fish and wildlife and alter their natural habitats.
The closing date for applications is June 29, 2007. Additional information about the Program is online at http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants or contact Christy Kuczak at 703/358-1748 or christy_kuczak@fws.gov.
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H-GAC to Host Two Storm Debris Workshops
Storm Debris Workshop 1: Tuesday, June 12, 2007
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
2nd Floor Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, Houston 77027
"The Check is in the Mail?": The Role of FEMA, State and Local Governments in Funding Debris Removal Activities
This workshop will describe how local governments and debris managers may be impacted by funding issues associated with FEMA and the lack of a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Attendees will get an overview of the disaster declaration process and will learn how to address debris removal for non-declared events. FEMA reimbursement issues for debris removal will also be covered.
Storm Debris Workshop 2: Tuesday, June 26, 2007
9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Lunch Provided)
2nd Floor Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, Houston 77027
"Looking Back and Focusing on the Future": Best Management Practices for Disaster Debris Management and Upcoming Federal and State Policy Changes
This workshop will provide guidance to local governments engaging in debris management planning activities and provide updates and guidance on the latest FEMA policies. It will provide an overview of the components of a disaster debris management plan and will cover beginning the disaster debris management process. Attendees will learn the process of activation following a debris generating event and will discuss federal and state policy changes.
Registration is FREE for both workshops, but space is limited. To RSVP or for more information, contact Kelly Freeman at 713-993-4566 or kfreeman@h-gac.com.
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H-GAC Program Chosen as Finalist for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Award
H-GAC Environmental Circuit Rider Program (ECRP) was chosen as a finalist in the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards (TEEA) in the governmental category. The Environmental Circuit Rider Program (ECRP) is an effort by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) to empower local governments in the H-GAC region with the tools and knowledge needed to address and resolve the challenging environmental problems the region faces. The program consists of several components: education and training, case tracking, prosecution, regional investigation, and identification of funding sources. For more information on the TEEA, please visit http://www.teea.org. For more information on the ECRP please contact Amy Boyers at H-GAC at 713-993-2441 or amy.boyers@h-gac.com.
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TCEQ Recognizes Metzger
Last month we congratulated Sarah (Sam) Metzger of Pasadena, winner of a Texas Environmental Excellence Award from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the "individual" category. This month we wanted to provide more details about Sam's award. Achievements like this are worth mentioning twice.
Twelve awards are given to innovative projects that demonstrate positive effects on air, water, and land resources. In announcing the award, TCEQ said, "Engineering coordinator for the Pasadena Public Works Department, Sarah Metzger goes above and beyond the scope of her job duties by working tirelessly to promote environmental stewardship in her community. She guides field trips and gives presentations on the importance of preserving the ecosystem using materials—outreach brochures, pamphlets and videos—that she creates. She began an Adopt-A-Waterway program to give citizens a sense of ownership as they work to improve water quality, and she wrote the Construction Alliance Handbook, a pollution-prevention publication for builders in the Galveston Bay area. In the spring of 2006, she organized the city's first environmental fair." For information about the other winners and to submit an application for next year's awards, visit http://www.teea.org/.
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TCEQ Launch Take Care of Texas Campaign -
Program Highlights Simple Environmental Steps All Texans Can Take at Home Something as simple as turning off the lights when they're not in use can help reduce a household's impact on the environment. That's the message highlighted in Take Care of Texas, a new campaign launched by the TCEQ. The campaign provides important information to Texans about simple steps they can take in each area of their home to reduce their impact on the environment.
Among the various strategies promoted by Take Care of Texas, the TCEQ encourages Texans to take steps to conserve water, improve their household's energy efficiency, reduce the amount of waste they generate, and increase their vehicle's fuel economy—saving money in the process. The goal is to get all Texans to do their part by following some simple tips that will go far toward improving air and water quality, conserving water and energy, and keeping Texas clean and beautiful.
"We've made a lot of progress recently in our efforts to address some of the environmental issues facing our state," said TCEQ Chairman Kathleen Hartnett White. "But it's going to take all of us working together to do our part to build on this progress to take care of Texas."
Along with an interactive home displayed at the Environmental Trade Fair, the TCEQ also launched the Take Care of Texas web site at http://www.takecareoftexas.org/. The Take Care of Texas web site will provide Texans with additional information about the steps they can take around the house, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the yard, and when they're out and about.
For more information about the Take Care of Texas campaign, or the Environmental Trade Fair, contact the TCEQ Small Business and Environmental Assistance Division at 512-239-3100 or go to http://www.tceq.state.tx.us.
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EPA Adopts ´Green´ Conference Policy
The Environmental Protection Agency has adopted a new policy to make its meetings and conferences "greener." The EPA, effective May 1, is giving preference to hotels and convention centers that consume less and manage their resources in an environmentally conscious manner.
For the first time, the agency will consider environmental achievement along with factors including price and past performance when buying meeting and conference space. The new regulation is a step toward giving priority to hotels and conference centers that demonstrate green progress, EPA officials said.
The agency has developed a 14-point checklist to evaluate the environmental performance of facilities. Among the programs the agency will be looking for are: a recycling program, a linen/towel reuse option, easy access to public transportation or shuttle services, a policy to turn off lighting and air conditioning when rooms are not in use, energy and water conservation programs, paperless check-in and check-out for guests, and use of recycled or recyclable products. Additional information about the EPA initiative is available online at www.epa.gov/oppt/greenmeetings.
New EPA Web Site Makes It Easier To Be Good Environmental Stewards
The new EPA web site on stewardship programs launched in May can help business, government, and private citizens make intelligent choices on sustainable environmental benefits. The web site will enable users to find EPA partnership programs, such as the Energy Star energy saving program, which best align with their needs and interests. Businesses can search for EPA programs based on their industrial category, environmental issue of interest, and geographic area. One specific Web site, for example, shows businesses how they can help employees reduce the environmental impacts of commuting. The web site also provides information links individuals can use to protect the environment in different settings, such as home, work, school and shopping.
This tool is the latest in a series of steps EPA has taken to support environmental stewardship. In 2005, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson endorsed a framework for EPA that recognizes environmental stewardship as the next phase in an ongoing evolution of environmental policy – from pollution control to pollution prevention and sustainability.
The EPA is now promoting environmental stewardship in a variety of ways. For example, the agency has challenged individuals to become more energy efficient at home through the "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign, and challenged Fortune 500 companies to double their purchases of green power. Examples at the local level include EPA offering communities technical assistance in applying smart growth principles, as well as providing funding to retrofit older diesel school buses with pollution control equipment. At colleges and universities, EPA is sponsoring research to help students develop and design innovative solutions to sustainability challenges in agriculture, water and energy use. EPA's commitment to environmental stewardship is also evident at the agency's facilities: In 2006, EPA's new Potomac Yard office in Arlington, Va., earned a gold rating under the internationally recognized green building standard known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). For more information visit the Environmental Stewardship Web Site at http://www.epa.gov/stewardship.
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Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) Sustainable Water Infrastructure DVD and Case Studies
EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) has developed a DVD that highlights how local governments are addressing aging sewer and water systems to meet current and future challenges facing our communities. The LGAC is an officially chartered federal advisory that provides advice and recommendations to assist the EPA in developing a stronger partnership with local governments. The goals of the DVD are to encourage the EPA to continue their efforts to promote sustainable water infrastructure funding and to highlight the work being done in local communities. It also stresses the importance of local leadership in addressing these issues.
The project profiles five real communities and demonstrates how they are meeting the daily needs for repair or replacement of aging systems, coping with population growth, addressing issues related to environmental health and water security demands. The DVD presents some innovative options that are available and necessary to ensure water quality in the future. You can view the video online at: http://www.epa.gov/waterinfrastructure/lgac_video/index.html
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KAB Man – A Superhero for the Environment
Recently "hired" by the KAB national office, KAB Man (a.k.a. Jeff) is a superhero that KAB claims is "guaranteed to connect with the hard-to-reach 20-something audience". The campaign was launched from Times Square at the NYC Great American Cleanup Kickoff event and is a "viral" campaign designed to increase awareness of KAB's mission, and to encourage participation from young adults. KAB anticipates that visitors to the site will forward the link to friends and family, and get everyone in their offices involved. They are also encouraging folks to become KAB Man's "friend" at www.myspace.com/keepamericabeautiful. To view all three episodes of "The Adventures of KAB Man" visit http://www.kabman.org.
Staples Starts First National Retail Electronics Collection Based on Recycling Pilot
Staples, Inc., the office super-store, has become the first major retailer to collect used electronics from its customers. The announcement came three years after a trial effort which showed that items such as computers could be easily recycled at low cost to consumers and retailers.
Staples will accept all brands of computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes, and all-in-one devices at its U.S. stores for a fee of $10 per large item. Televisions, which Staples does not sell, are not accepted.
The 2004 pilot program, a collaboration between Staples, U.S. EPA, and the Product Stewardship Institute, Inc., successfully showed that Staples could provide recycling services for unwanted computer equipment to its retail and commercial customers within the company's existing distribution infrastructure.
The Boston-based Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), a national non-profit organization that promotes sustainable resource use, managed an EPA "eCycling" grant. PSI designed and implemented the project along with Staples to test whether computer recycling could be consistent with Staples' business model. Analysis of the pilot indicated that eCycling was cost effective, and was well received by consumers and Staples. Information on the Staples pilot project is available at:
http://www.productstewardship.us/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=72. Information on EPA's Plug-in to eCycling program is at: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/plugin/index.htm.
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Compact Flourescent Lamps
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have been widely promoted by electric utilities and energy efficiency groups because they produce the same amount of light as standard incandescent bulbs while using up to 75% less energy and lasting up to ten times as long. CFLs help reduce the pollution associated with energy production, but because they also contain about 5 mg of mercury per bulb, they may introduce another environmental problem.
Mercury is toxic and once released into the environment it can accumulate in living organisms and travel up the food chain where it reaches high concentrations in fish and other marine life. Proper recycling ensures the benefits of CFLs while properly managing the disadvantages. Contact your local household hazardous waste program manager or visit http://www.earth911.org/ to find a recycling outlet near you.
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Earth911 - A Powerful Tool for Local Programs
The mission of Earth911 is to empower the public with community-specific resources that improve their quality of life. Through the Earth911 partnership, economies of scale and scope are achieved, promoting this public service across the nation and centralizing environmental resources into one user-friendly network.
Earth911 provides community-specific information about recycling centers, green shopping, energy conservation, household hazardous waste,environmental education, and composting. By typing in a zipcode residents can find the nearest recycling center or household hazardous waste collection facility.
Earth911 can be a powerful tool in the aresenal of public outreach, but much of the usefulness is dependent upon local coordinators and city officials keeping information current. To learn more or to update information about your city's recycling programs visit http://www.earth911.com. To submit your request for a user name and password, please click on the following link: http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=e911&a=contact/coord_update_info.asps=e911&a=contact/coord_update_info.asp. If you need assistance you can contact Earth911 at 480-889-2650.
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EPA to Revise Definition of Solid Waste
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to modify the definition of solid waste rule to streamline regulation of hazardous secondary materials. The proposed rule would provide for the recycling of such materials as solvents, metals, and certain other chemicals.
The proposed rule provides exclusions for materials that are generated and reclaimed under the control of the generator; materials that are generated and transferred to another person or company for reclamation under specific conditions; and materials that EPA deems nonwaste through a case-by-case petition process.
The proposal also defines legitimate recycling to ensure that only legitimate recycling activity benefits from the streamlined requirements, not treatment or disposal under the guise of recycling. EPA is accepting comment on this proposal for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. The docket number is EPA-HQ-RCRA-2002-0031 and is available for public viewing. For more information on proposed regulation visit http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/dsw/abr.htm, or contact smith.roxanne@epa.gov
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Storm Debris: Role of FEMA, State and Local Governments in Funding Debris Removal
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For more information contact Kelly Freeman @ 713-993-4566 or kelly.freeman@h-gac.com.
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Houston Ship Channel/Upper Galveston Bay Dioxin TMDL Stakeholder Meeting
Thursday, June 21, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For more information contact Carl Masterson@ 713-993-4561 or carl.masterson@h-gac.com.
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Storm Debris: BMPs and Upcoming Federal and State Policy Changes
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information contact Kelly Freeman @ 713-993-4566 or kelly.freeman@h-gac.com.
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Smart Growth Initiative
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room C
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
For more information contact Jeff Taebel @ 713-993-4560 or jeff.taebel@h-gac.com.
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Environmental Enforcement Roundtable
Thursday, July 19, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
For more information contact Amy Boyers@ 713-993-2441 or amy.boyers@h-gac.com.
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