State Capitol Report
A Publication of the Sierra Club, Lone Star Chapter.
The State Capitol Report is in PDF format. (Acrobat Viewer required)

Current Issue: June 25, 2009 (451 KB PDF) or (18 KB TXT)

Now is the Time for Texas to Update Energy Codes for New Residential and Commercial Buildings

Legislative Progess on Several Fronts: Beach Protection, Parks Funding, Water Conservation, Water Program Funding

Action Needed: Comments Due July 5

June 11, 2009 (254 KB PDF) or (20 KB TXT)

Most Major Clean Energy Bills Fall Short of the Goal Line; But Legislative Support for Efficiency & Renewables Gained Momentum

Stimulus Funds Present Huge Potential for Clean Energy; Let’s Invest in Texas!

May 13, 2009 (224 KB PDF) or (20 KB TXT)

May 21, 2009 (240 KB PDF) or (19 KB TXT)

Senate Passes Legislation to Advance “Non-Wind” Renewable Energy; SB 541 Would Create Goals and Provide Incentives

House Approves Tax Break for Manufacturing Projects; Would Aid Proposed Texas Nuclear Plants

House Passes Controversial “Clean Coal” Bill; More Stringent Pollution Control Requirements Added to Get Tax Breaks

Water Conservation Legislation on the Move: Bills Advance on Plumbing Fixture Standards, Water Audits, and Rainwater Harvesting

Clean Energy Legislation Advancing: Goal Line in Sight

Potpourri – Update on Various Bills

Nuke Subsidy Bill Held up in Senate Committee

Shoppers can Save Energy, Save Water, and Save Money on Memorial Day Weekend:
Sales Tax Holiday on Energy Efficient Appliances Will Be in Effect

April 2, 2009 (286 KB PDF) or (30 KB TXT)

April 16, 2009 (242 KB PDF) or (20 KB TXT)

Sierra Club Testifies on TxDOT Continuation Bill

Statewide Poll Finds Texas Deeply Value a High Quality Park System;
Survey Shows Strong Support for State Parks Funding through Sporting Goods Tax

HB 3423 Would Close Loophole in Radioactive Waste Law;
Citizens: Don't Turn Texas into Nation's Dumping Ground

Senate Passes Senator Averitt’s Clean Air, Energy Efficiency Bill; Action Moves to the House

Texas Energy Efficiency Legislation Starts Moving; Bills Would Save Money, Create Jobs, and Clean the Air

Sierra Club Supports HB 3206 by Rep. Edwards; Bill Would Clarify Pollution Control Equipment Tax Abatement

Transportation Project Funding Legislation Moving; Legislation Passes the Senate; Moves to the House

March 12, 2009 (343 KB PDF) or (23 KB TXT)

February 26, 2009 (336 KB PDF) or (22 KB TXT)

Environmental and Energy Issues Heat Up in the Texas House

Sierra Club files Environmental Lawsuit on Grand Parkway;
Group says Katy Prairie and Houston Air Quality Are at Stake

Sierra Club Releases Report on Desalination;
Publication Covers the Pros and Cons of Water Desalination

Local Citizens Group, Sierra Club, and EDF Contest Goliad County Coal Plant Expansion

Funding for Programs and Conservation Likely to be the Major Focus for Water Issues This Session; Appropriations Process Begins Moving Forward

State and Local Parks Funding Still a Critical Matter for the Texas Legislature; Action Needed This Session to Continue Progress from 2007

Sierra Club’s Ten-Point Request List for Texas State & Local Parks;

Finance Committee Begins Budget Debate with Economic Stimulus Package Looming;
Federal Money Could Bolster Funding on Weatherization, Green Jobs Training

Funding Outdoor Recreation One Way to Fight Texas Obesity Rate;
Legislative Opportunities to Act on Parks and Wildlife Funding

February 12, 2009 (267 KB PDF)

January 29, 2009 (300 KB PDF)

Broad Coalition of Legislators and Diverse Interests Working to Promote Solar Power;
New Clean Energy Legislation Filed

Lobby Training and Lobby Training, Austin, February 17-18

Sierra Club Urges EPA to Halt Plans to Ship PCB Wastes to West Texas;
EPA Asked to Prepare an EIS on Disposition of Dangerous Hudson River PCB Wastes

Finance Committee Begins Budget Debate with Economic Stimulus Package Looming;
Federal Money Could Bolster Funding on Weatherization, Green Jobs Training

Funding Outdoor Recreation One Way to Fight Texas Obesity Rate;
Legislative Opportunities to Act on Parks and Wildlife Funding

Sierra Club Promotes a State Legislative Agenda for These Economic Times; Proposals Would Create Jobs and Save People Money

State Legislation Filed on Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy; Several Bills Reflect Parts of Sierra Club's "12-Step Plan for a Cool Texas"

Texas Business for Clean Air Release Report; Outlines Policy Options for Clean Air and Energy

Join us for Lobby Day at the State Capitol!
You're invited to the Alliance for a Clean Texas Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Join us in supporting legislation for energy efficiency programs and renewable energy (among other issues).

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