State Representative Lon Burnam

Sponsorship Levels:

Platinum- $2,500

Gold-  $1,000

Silver- $500

Bronze- $250

                                                               Individual ticket: $100

Checks may be made out to the Texas League of Conservation Voters PAC and mailed to: 815 Brazos, Suite 710 Austin, TX 78701

Representative Lon Burnam is one of the most dedicated conservation legislators in the Texas State House. In 2011, Rep. Burnam reprised his role as guardian of a clean environment in a challenging legislative session. In addition to passing important legislation expanding the number of vehicles eligible under Texas clean air programs, Rep. Burnam fought to improve drilling practices in Fort Worth and to improve accountability and transparency at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. He also serves as a conservation advocate on the House floor, frequently questioning bill authors on issues from immunity granted to polluters to the labeling of invasive species plants sold at plant nurseries.  

Contributions to the Texas League of Conservation Voters-PAC are not tax-deductible and are reported to the Texas State Ethics Commission.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

1505 Windsor Road

5:30 PM until 7:30 PM

For further information on purchasing tickets or event sponsorships please contact Emily Williams at ewilliams@tlcv.org or 512-477-4424. Event sponsorships are per couple.

Purchase sponsorships and tickets online here.

Contributions to the Texas League of Conservation Voters are not tax-deductible because funds are used for advocacy, lobbying, and political campaign activities.

AUSTIN, TX (Feb. 7, 2012)—The Texas League of Conservation Voters highlighted Texas’ leadership and failures on national environmental issues, based on today’s release of the League of Conservation Voters 2011 National Environmental Scorecard.

The 2011 National Environmental Scorecard grades Congress’ work as the ‘most anti-environmental session of the U.S. House of Representatives in history.’

“We’re fortunate to have a great champion for the environment in Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin). Sadly, the same cannot be said for Rep. Cuellar (D-Laredo) who far too often sided against the environment and against public health.  His votes on global warming, pesticide pollution and offshore drilling safety placed Rep. Cuellar much more in line with the Republican House majority and corporate polluters than for the constituents who elected him,” said David Weinberg, Executive Director of the Texas League of Conservation Voters.

The 2011 National Environmental Scorecard includes 11 Senate and a record 35 House votes on issues ranging from public health protections to clean energy to land and wildlife conservation.

This year, 31 senators earned a perfect 100 percent score, while in the House 24 members earned a perfect 100 percent score.  Rep. Doggett notched the highest score in the Texas delegation with 97 percent.  Rep. Cuellar earned the lowest score among the Texas Democratic delegation with 51 percent.  The average Texas House Republican score was 7 percent.

In the Senate, 13 senators earned an appalling 0 percent score, while in the House four members earned a 0 percent score. The Texas Senate delegation rounded out the bottom of the barrel among Senate delegations by state with an abysmal 9 percent score; only four other states’ Senate delegation scored lower.

For over 40 years, the National Environmental Scorecard issued by LCV has been the nationally accepted yardstick used to rate members of Congress on environmental, public health and energy issues. The full 2011 National Environmental Scorecard can be found at www.lcv.org/scorecard.

The Texas League of Conservation Voters issues its own scorecard on state lawmakers. Its 2011 scorecard can be found online at www.tlcv.org/scorecards.

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The Texas League of Conservation Voters works to preserve and enhance the quality of life of Texans by making conservation a top priority with Texas elected officials, political candidates and voters.  Find us online at http://www.tlcv.org and follow us on Twitter @tlcv.

Media contact: David Weinberg, (512) 477-4424

It’s the holiday season, and a move by state regulators to reject Valero’s petition for a special tax exemption is bringing some end of year cheer to supporters of clean air and public schools.

Friends of the Texas League of Conservation Voters and Care2 deserve credit for sending a message loud and clear to state regulators.  More than 2,400 people signed our online petition and told Gov. Rick Perry and his commissioners at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that Texas kids and our environment come first, not special interest tax breaks for big oil companies.

At a time when state budgets, including Texas, are facing multi-billion dollar shortfalls, Valero pressed state leaders for a special tax break that would have drained at least $135 million from Texas public schools. The tax exemption would have been for the installation of equipment which actually increases emissions at Valero’s Texas refineries.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality took the right action.  We could not have won if Texans had not made their voices heard on this critical issue, pressing state leaders to do right by our state’s schools, clean air and public health.

And, there’s more good news for supporters of clean air and public health with today’s announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency.  The EPA announced landmark Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, the first national standards aimed at protecting American families from power plant emissions of mercury and toxic air pollution like arsenic, acid gas, nickel, selenium, and cyanide. Six of the nation’s top 10 most mercury-emitting power plants are located in Texas. Today’s announcement by the EPA is a clear victory for Texans – and all Americans – who care about public health and the air we breathe.

Thank you for fighting for a safer, healthier environment.

Sincerely,

David Weinberg, Executive Director

AUSTIN, TX (Dec. 13, 2011)—The following statement on the Texas Railroad Commission’s adoption of the rule requiring disclosure of fluids used in hydraulic fracturing may be attributed to David Weinberg, Executive Director of the Texas League of Conservation Voters:

“The Texas League of Conservation Voters appreciates the Railroad Commission’s leadership and swift action in adopting a public disclosure rule on hydraulic fracturing fluids that embodies elements of greater transparency and accountability.

“It’s in every Texan’s best interest for our state to move closer to a more complete understanding of the impact and public health implications of hydraulic fracturing fluids used in natural gas production.   We’re especially pleased to see the inclusion of non-MSDS chemicals on Frac Focus.

“In a state where oil and gas are king and the energy industry is quite powerful, it might come as a surprise that hydraulic fracturing disclosure would garner the sort of broad-based, bipartisan support it has amassed and to see the swift action by our state’s oil and gas regulators today; instead, I think it is a testament to the far-reaching implications of this rule and the general public’s heightened concerns over safer drilling practices.”

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Media contact: David Weinberg, (512) 477-4424

The Texas League of Conservation Voters is proud to join Air Alliance Houston on Nov. 16 as we honor one of Houston’s stalwart conservation and environmental leaders in the Texas Legislature.  Get your ticket today!

TLCV & Air Alliance Houston Honor Rep. Jessica Farrar + Houston, Texas + Nov. 16

Houston and surrounding areas are a key battleground in the fight for clean air in our state. TLCV and Air Alliance Houston (AAH) are committed to advancing that fight for improved air quality. Our allies at Air Alliance Houston are working to protect public health and environmental integrity through research, education and advocacy.

We invite you to help both organizations advocate for Texas’ environment and pay tribute to a true conservation leader by joining us in for an upcoming joint fundraising reception from 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Wednesday, November 16 at the home of Elena and Kenneth Marks (6510 Auden St., Houston, 77005).

We’re honoring Rep. Jessica Farrar, who has served Houston’s District 148 for nine terms and is the longest serving Hispanic member from Harris County in the Texas House of Representatives. Her leadership roles include the Vice-Chairmanship of the House Committee on Environmental Regulation in 2011, and, as her outstanding voting record reflects, she has demonstrated a true commitment to sound environmental policy throughout her legislative career.

Click here to purchase tickets or join the list of sponsors for our reception with AAH, honoring Rep. Farrar.

TLCV & Air Alliance Houston Wish To Thank Our Sponsors:

Greg Broyles  ♦ Peter H. Brown ♦ Grayson Cecil ♦ Patsy Cravens ♦Mike Garver

Leonard Golub ♦ Tom Kelly ♦ Wendy Kelsey ♦ Seth Kretzer

Bob Levy, PhD ♦ Elizabeth and Jason Love ♦ Elena and Kenneth Marks

 Evelyn Merz and John Berlinghoff ♦ The Hon. Richard Morrison

Ronald Parry ♦ Lucy Randel ♦ Sally and Bill Russ

Frances and Pete Schenkkan ♦ Cynthia Scott and Robert Thalmann

Michael Smith ♦Terri and Ray Thomas ♦ Mary Van Kerrebrook

Andrea White ♦ Mary and Tom Whitworth

The Texas League of Conservation Voters works to support conservation and the green jobs industry through our lobbying, advocacy, common agenda, and electoral work.  We rely on the generous support of Texans like you who share our commitment to clean air, clean water, parks and the conservation of our land and natural resources.  And, we hope you’ll join us and support our event on Nov. 16 in Houston so that we can make our green vision a reality in the Lone Star State.

If you live in Travis County, do the Texas Two Stepand boot scoot on over to vote early and in support of two key county conservation propositions.  Then, take the time to cast a yes vote on Proposition 8 on the Texas Constitutional Amendment ballot.

Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 4, 2011.  Election Day is Nov. 8, 2011.

Texas Two Step – Travis County Propositions 1 and 2 (TLCV recommends yes votes on both propositions.)

Travis County bond propositions 1 and 2 offer environmental and transportation benefits for Travis County residents. A vote yes on these two propositions would reduce traffic, improve mobility and safety while protecting our drinking water, preserving water quality and protecting working farms, ranches and locally grown food sources.

Proposition 1 is for safety improvements on roadways and bridges, flood prevention, safer routes to schools, and sidewalks. ($132,840,000)

Proposition 2 is for land conservation efforts, improved and increased parklands, and protection of our water quality and water supply. ($82,105,000)

These two bond projects are located throughout unincorporated areas of Travis County, and they support existing long-term plans for sustainable growth in the region.  Both Propositions 1 and 2 are endorsed by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce as well as a diverse and broad based collection of political, conservation and community groups and leaders.

Visit the Travis County Clerk’s website for a full list of early voting locations, mobile voting units and election day precinct polling locations.

Texas’ constitutional amendment elections don’t always grab the headlines, but this year’s election is one that includes “a must vote yes” proposition. 

Proposition 8 – Water Stewardship Amendment (TLCV recommends a YES vote.)

Access to a clean, reliable water supply is critical to every Texas family, business and community. How we ensure Texans are prepared to meet future water needs is a critical public policy concern. The Water Stewardship Amendment (Proposition 8 on the Nov. 8 ballot) will help Texas:

• Secure a reliable supply of water for our children and grandchildren
• Protect water quality in our streams, rivers and aquifers
• Increase our water supply, which will help keep water rates affordable
• Enhance water conservation by encouraging more efficient water usage

Proposition 8 was passed unanimously by the Texas Legislature and had the support of both Republicans and Democrats.  It’s bipartisan and enjoys broad based support from Texans statewide, including farmers, ranchers, landowners, taxpayers’ organizations and conservation groups like TLCV.

Learn more about Proposition 8 and read endorsements from the state’s major daily newspapers online here and watch “Kink in the Hose” by clicking on the video screenshot above.

Vote Early, Vote Yes

Early voting begins today, Monday, Oct. 24 and runs through Friday, Nov. 4, 2011.  Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s Office Votexas website for more details and links to early voting locations across the state, ballot by mail deadlines and a complete look at what’s on the ballot for the Nov. 8, 2011 Constitutional Amendment election.

David Weinberg

Executive Director, Texas League of Conservation Voters

EPA Hearing + Arlington, Texas + Sept. 29, 2011

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposals to address air pollution standards should do much to provide clarity to industry and stakeholders and reduce air pollution from oil and natural gas operations.

It’s a worthy effort, and one that despite some state leaders’ long-running feud with EPA is welcomed here by many in the public, community leaders, conservationists and environmental organizations like mine.  Balancing market needs and demands with public health and safety concerns is an essential role of government.

The National Petroleum Council’s (NPC) recently released report, Prudent Development (Sept. 2011, www.npc.org), suggests that if natural gas development is done right, our state and our nation’s vast natural gas reserves could be – in the words of the NPC itself – “transformative for the American economy, energy sector and environment.”

The pivotal point in this is that we do it right.  Doing it right means leveraging reasonable regulations and effective available technologies to reduce emissions.  Doing so means a truly win-win-win situation for the environment, consumers and industry.

Texas has  been a leader in improving drilling practices from hydraulically fractured wells, passing the nation’s first mandatory disclosure law for hydraulic fracking fluids this year. Improving air quality controls for gas and oil drilling is a necessary next step in advancing drilling practices.

Compared to coal, natural gas, delivers significant benefits for air quality, emitting far less nitrogen oxides, little sulfur dioxide and no mercury per unit of electricity produced.  The cleaner-burning benefits of natural gas in particular also improve as we cut down on fugitive emissions from natural gas production, namely methane emissions.  For these reasons, TLCV strongly supports proposed EPA regulations on improvements for natural gas compressors, pneumatic devices, and storage tanks.

TLCV feels strongly that the EPA’s proposal significantly improves the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) under the Clean Air Act.  By requiring the use of reduced emission completions, for example, we would be working to reduce the emissions of volatile organic compounds, though further clarity of the specific terminology and applicability of the rule to “workover” wells and liquid unloading would do much to help address the environmental community’s concerns and, no doubt, provide a level of clarity to benefit both public and industry alike.

Regardless of the EPA regulations ultimately adopted, TLCV strongly believes that Texas on the whole must do a better job of policing drilling – which means better funding of the Texas Railroad Commission – and establishing clarity between the Railroad Commission and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.  Improved stakeholder and constituent input and response are also needed.

And, it’s a resource with such an abundant supply here in Texas that if it is safely produced and properly regulated, that it’s production could stand to generate significant severance tax revenue—supplying much needed general revenue during very difficult economic times and providing potentially more revenue for the critical state regulatory needs.

TLCV is confident this can be accomplished in a way that benefits and addresses the environmental and public health concerns, while providing reasonable regulatory measures and considerable savings to the industry.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

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By David Weinberg, Executive Director, Texas League of Conservation Voters

In the debate over the proposed Keystone Pipeline XL project, there are significant reasons to oppose its approval based solely on significant safety concerns associated with a 1,700-mile heavy-oil pipeline.  The proposed pipeline would traverse sensitive lands, waterways and public spaces across Canada and the U.S, including the Ogallala Aquifer here in Texas all the way up to the Dakotas.

Let’s be clear, opposition and concern over the Keystone Pipeline XL Project is not limited to the environmental and conservation communities I represent, nor should it be viewed in strictly partisan terms.

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, a Republican, faults the environmental review and has asked the U.S. government to explore other options.  “We have only one Ogallala Aquifer,” Sen. Johanns said, “and we must take seriously our obligation to protect it.”

The Senator from Nebraska echoes feelings I think you would find from communities and residents all across the plains, those that value and depend on the Ogallala for water.

But, I would also suggest the reason to oppose this $7 billion environmental, public safety, health and energy debacle is even more basic.  Consider the energy source itself.

Tar sand is an absolutely terrible way to generate energy.

Squeezing oil out of tar sand is a wasteful and dirty process.  To get a single barrel of oil from tar sand, you must process between 2 tons to 4 tons of tar sand with 2 to four barrels of water.

The massive pits required to develop tar sand destroys forests and wildlife and leaves a massive blight on the landscape, especially in the boreal forest of Alberta where the tar sands associated with the Keystone XL project originate.   Already, the Alberta Water Research Institute spends $15 million to prevent toxins from running off tar sands’ tailing pools into the nearby public water supplies.

Mining tar sands – and the necessary processing it must undergo to convert to gasoline – releases three time more carbon dioxide than traditional oil production.

Let’s be clear, alongside coal, there are few energy sources that are so dirty, so destructive to our natural environment and pose significant health risks quite like tar sands.

Doesn’t the tar sands price tag with respect to its far-reaching environmental, public safety and public health impacts make it a horrible return on investment for our country? Are there not better options?

Yes, we can meet our domestic energy needs through a cleaner combination of fuel sources.  Abundant and cleaner natural gas is one worthy option, and the long-term viability of solar, wind and geothermal energy make them an important part of our energy mix.

As we look to meet our country’s energy needs, tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline is simply not the answer.

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The Texas wildfire season is taking on historic proportions, and the recent fires in Central Texas have been particularly devastating.

The Texas League of Conservation Voters recognizes that there are many ways to give to support recovery and relief efforts in the impacted communities, but we feel this one hits especially close to home.  Please consider joining us in support of the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Employee Relief Fund.  Below is a letter from Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission member Ralph Duggins highlighting the devastating impact the fires have had on Bastrop State Park and our friends at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:

Or, please consider making a secure online donation at this link.

Thank you,

David Weinberg

Executive Director, Texas League of Conservation Voters