(Great live coverage from a big event in Houston. Broad coalition of Texans working for clean air and water! - promoted by Katherine Haenschen)
Hey all, We're live at the Discovery Green in Houston, moments from kicking off the Great Texas Clean Up Festival, what is being touted as the largest environmental event in Houston in decades. That's right, decades!
We'll be updating between acts and speakers, bringing you all the action and all the fun.
Juan Parras of Tejas (tejasbarrios.org) is calling the event a success before it even starts, simply because "it's brought a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds together to fight for environmental justice."
The speakers' lineup is pretty long and pretty deep- expect some food for thought from Houston Director of Sustainability Laura Spanjian and Representative Ana Hernandez, representing a large portion of the Houston area. We'll give you their comments when they happen!
From the unverified rumor-mill: there are Tea Party protesters nearby.
From the verified rumor-mill: there's a woman working for BP public relations going around with a flip cam asking people if the entire oil industry should be penalized for the spill. Spin much? We're onto you, sister.
Note: It's currently 105 degrees, but we've still got a turnout from people concerned with cleaning up Texas and having a good time (at the same time, of course). We'll be right back!
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UPDATE #1 - 4:31 p.m.
The Sierra Club's Graham Jordian just kicked off the festival. Graham reminded everyone why we're gathering today in support of environmental stewardship in Texas. He emphasized that "Texas is at an energy crossroads. Texas can choose between the way things are: hazardous ozone, contaminated air, polluted water, an oil spill reaching Texas shores - OR we can clean up Texas!"
Sierra Club organizer Justin Wasser and TEJAS Director Juan Parras, along with Mary our super volunter.
UPDATE #2 - 5:13 p.m.
It's a family-friendly event! The next generation deserves clean air and water in Texas, and the kids are making toy windmills at the kids booth.
UPDATE #3 - 5:45 p.m.
Sierra Club organizer Flavia de la Fuente points out the various organizational booths at the festival.
UPDATE #4 - 6:23 p.m.
Thank you to Rep. Ana Hernandez for speaking at our rally. She represents the neighborhoods along the Houston ship channel most affected by industry pollution, and she spoke passionately about the importance of cleaning up our air so our children can grow up in a healthy environment.
Dr. Mathhew Tejada from Air Alliance Houston spoke about the importance of getting involved in the TCEQ Sunset Review process. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to reform the environmental agency in Texas, so make your voice heard!
UPDATE #6 - 6:49 p.m.
Houstonians enjoying a day at the park. We're glad it didn't rain today!
UPDATE #6 - 7:07 p.m
The sun is setting, the weather is cooling down, and people are taking their shoes off and dancing to the music of Los Pistoleros de Texas!
UPDATE #7 - 7:33 p.m.
The venue staff that facilitates all the logistics for Discovery Green always counts the number of people who attend events at Discovery Green. They just reported to us that over 600 people have attended our festival today...and the night is still young!
UPDATE #8 - 7:41 p.m.
Sen. Ellis couldn't make today's event, but his Deputy Chief of Staff spoke on his behalf. She talked about the importance of holding the TCEQ accountable and Sen. Ellis' long history fighting on behalf of the environment.
Frank Molina from Akari Energy talked about how his business is utilizing renewable energy and helping produce green jobs in Texas.
UPDATE #9 - 8:05 p.m.
The Discovery Green events staff just reported we're over 950 people!
UPDATE #10 - 8:12 p.m.
The final band is on stage. The Ray Johnston Band is headlining today's festival, and they're rocking the house!
UPDATE #11 - 10.15 p.m.
The festival just ended. Over 1,200 people!
Thank you to our all-star field team for making today a huge success!
