TCEQ hosts environmental summit

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Deputy Director Ramiro Garcia Jr., who heads the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, will attend the third annual Valley Environmental Summit hosted by State Rep. Eddie Lucio III on Thursday, Oct. 4, in Brownsville. This important meeting of state and local leaders and local stakeholders engages the community in working together to improve their environment.

“I am proud to once again host the Valley Environmental Summit which offers a venue that engages and empowers our citizens, the business sector, non-profits, and grassroots leaders to identify environmental issues and tangible solutions,” says Lucio. The Summit will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brownsville Events Center located at 1 Events Center Blvd., Brownsville, Texas, 78526.

The morning schedule features a presentation on resaca restoration in Brownsville, an overview of a pilot study in the Brownsville Ship Channel to desalinate seawater for producing potable drinking water, as well as a talk on natural preservation and sustainability. Morning breakout sessions give attendees an opportunity to discuss: ways to protect water quality by safeguarding the storm drain system; offering environmental education to our youth; and keeping fats, oils and grease out of drains and sewers.

The event’s keynote speaker is Billy R. Bradford Jr., chairman of the Texas Water Development Board.

Afternoon general sessions include a discussion of how local affiliates of Keep Texas Beautiful preserve the natural beauty the Rio Grande Valley. In the final sessions, attendees can learn about disposal solutions for batteries and electronic waste and transportation options that benefit the environment. Attendees can also participate in an optional workshop on composting.

The summit is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. General information