AUSTIN — Austins' creeks and streams flow through city parks and along walking trails, create green space, and provide fishing spots for residents. However, a new report by Environment Texas Research and Policy Center reveals that many of these waterways tested for high levels of bacteria in 2017, and would benefit from strong measures to reduce pollution.
The “Swim At Your Own Risk” report revealed that Texas beaches, freshwater streams and lakes frequently contain more fecal bacteria from animal and human waste than what’s deemed safe under state law. Statewide, 63 percent of beach sites and 49 percent of freshwater sites were unsafe for swimming on at least one testing day last year. Environment Texas called for policies to prevent pollution at the source, such as green infrastructure and sewage system upgrades.
The California state Senate passed Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) by today, affirming the state Assembly’s vote yesterday. SB 100, which would put the state on a path to generate 100 percent of its electricity from renewable and zero-carbon sources such as solar and wind by 2045, now heads to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk for his signature.
After a landmark vote by its state Assembly, California is poised to join Hawaii and become the second state committed to generating 100 percent of its electricity from renewable and zero-carbon sources. If the state Senate votes in favor of the current version of Senate Bill 100, which has only minor changes to a bill the Senate already passed, and then Gov. Jerry Brown signs it, California will commit to a clear target of 100 percent clean electricity by 2045.
Environment Texas Research and Policy Center is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to getting things done.