Legislature Finishes a Tough Session for Environment

Sometimes, you win by not losing. That describes, somewhat, how the environment fared in Texas's 88th Legislative Session.

San Antonio emerged with its tree and aquifer protection ordinances intact. And come September 1st, we will, effectively, be the only large city in the state with an extra-territorial jurisdiction.

Noteworthy was the volume of bills aimed at dismantling environmental regulations. Fossil-fueled power generation won and clean energy lost. Cities lost much of their authority to enact protections for their citizens. But there were bright spots, including $1 billion for new parks.

Warblers spared from clearcutting bill

Time ran out on House Bill 2239, the Ashe juniper clearcutting bill. Although it passed out of the House and a Senate committee, it failed to get a vote in the Senate before the end-of-session deadline.

Thanks to all who contacted state Senators and Representatives in opposition to this bill. As originally drafted, it would have allowed developers to clearcut the trees. But after a long Senate committee hearing where people turned out in droves to oppose the bill, it was amended so only homeowners could use it to remove the trees. It still failed.

Golden-cheeked warbler perched on an Ashe juniper branch.
Maslowski, Steve/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

"Paving over the aquifer" bill killed in House

A bill that would have increased contamination in your drinking water was killed on a point-of-order by Dallas Democrat John Bryant. SB 2037 would have nullified impervious cover limits in SA's Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Protection ordinance and stopped counties from enacting development codes promoting "the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the county and the safe, orderly, and healthful development of the ... county".

Senator Bettencourt revived it by tacking it onto another bill near the end of the session, but that amendment was rejected by a conference commitee.

The "Ending Local Freedom Act"

A bill to limit the power of cities to enact environmental, consumer, and worker protections passed and was sent to Greg Abbott. It amounts to a takeover of local governments by the legislature.

In a similar vein, the Governor recently signed SB 784 prohibiting cities from regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

Landmark energy efficiency bill falls short

As the deadline to get Senate bills out of House committees approached Friday night, the fate of a historic energy efficiency bill became clear: very powerful corporate utilities like Oncor, CenterPoint, and AEP Texas had killed the best chance to control rising utility bills and protect Texas families from what will be a huge increase in costs in the coming years. Read more in the story Utilities Extinguish Energy Savings Bill, Paving the Way to Higher Costs for Texas Families.

Parks get a billion dollar investment

SB 1648 and SJR 74 establish the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund with $1 billion to help create new state parks. It’s a historic investment that will allow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to create dozens of new parks in the coming decades. It hinges on voter approval of a constitutional amendment this fall.

Corporate giveaway program excludes clean energy

HB 5, which recreates a massive corporate polluter subsidy, is on its way to Greg Abbott's desk. It revives a program that has given billions of dollars to polluting industries through school property tax abatements. Unlike its predecessor, known as "Chapter 313", HB 5 excludes solar and wind energy projects from receiving the tax breaks. See Late deal sends new economic incentives for businesses to governor for more.

"Don't Say Pollution" bill sent to Abbott

TCEQ, which was deemed a “reluctant regulator” by the Sunset Commission, now has authority to ignore citizen reports about polluters. SB 471 gives discretion to the TCEQ to not investigate complaints from members of the public about potential violations. It passed and awaits Greg Abbott's signature.

For more, read The threat that could undo key program at TCEQ

Vehicle Preparedness for Travel to Remote Areas, and Some Personal Bits

Surely other characters may think of more bits to carry but this is a start. We know there could be a problem or three on any trip. If we can't deal with those ourselves, no telling how long we might have to wait for help; some places could be days. We hope for passersby that might help with a problem, or take us out to a city. Then we have to pay $800 or whatever for a tow and more for repairs. Or, we could be the passersby that might be able to help others with a problem.

More water than we could possibly need

I carry 8-10 gals, mostly in a collection of Arizona Iced Tea jugs, which are sturdy with wide mouths and therefore easy to fill. Once gave a driver of a broken-down truck a bottle of water and a ride to a nearby town. Another time gave a bottle to a hiker on the Arizona Trail who had lost one. May need a wide-mouthed nalgene-type bottle which will fit under bathroom sink faucets in order to fill jugs.

Extra food and warm clothes

Suppose we have driven from our campsite to a dayhike trailhead with nobody else around, wonderful solitude. But then with a problem we are stuck. Might spend a night or two waiting for help or hike out. In addition to water, often the most critical requirement, surely would like to have some extra snacks. And stuff to provide a warmish bit of sleep away from our tent.

In Death Valley National Park near the east end of Titus Canyon road (picture below) I was following a car with a flat tire and the driver didn't know it. Finally he saw my blinking lights and stopped. Stood by and watched him change the tire on his rental car. He didn't need any real help, but he was an oldish guy with two likewise women. I asked, he said they had "a water bottle". But did they have any food? Warm clothing in case got stuck overnight? He was planning to simply drive through, said he had done it before. Thankfully he turned around.

Hiking mistakes: sure taught me a lesson or three

Headlamps: best carry two in our vehicle and two in our daypack. USB rechargeable ones are very durable now. Fully charge before/during a trip. We may not realize how important these could be until a situation arises.

Trekking poles: we are four-footed once again, very helpful on any terrain, both down and uphill. Our arms take some of the workload off the legs. Might need for hobbling back to our vehicle with a leg injury. Have hands out of the straps on tricky terrain, don't wanna be tangled in the poles and then do a fall head first.

Navigation: printed road maps of course. Hike route maps are easy to find, download and print. Phone navigation apps with OFFLINE maps are very useful, but practice with them ahead of time with cell service turned off. Google OFFLINE maps are good, assuming we download the right areas and these expire. But the latter can be rubbish or even dangerous for backcountry roads. Best two phones, with the same app and maps, in case one is lost or damaged, and both are fully charged before a hike.

Article with the above title in the April 2021 issue of this newsletter.

Titus Canyon in Death Valley, December 2011. A smooth section of the 22 mile one way route west from the Nevada state line; most of the way along. Total 30 miles between highways. Spots seemed rougher on a 2018 trip. More pictures of this park in the June 2019 and February 2017 issues.

Road conditions

Do we have high clearance? 2WD or all-wheel drive? Many backcountry roads require high clearance vehicles even if there isn't a sign. And there may be a sign "Impassible When Wet"; likely not kidding, at least for 2WD. Some roads are signed "4WD required", which may be about SERIOUS rough/steep sections that really need a Jeep or whatever, might be dangerous simply with all-wheel drive. Or the latter could be sufficient if we are otherwise prepared, though not allowed, or maybe 4WD is including all wheel drive.

Tire problems

Full size spare wheel highly advised, not just the little factory spare (lesson story in next picture's caption). I store mine placed vertically in the back on driver's side. Better gas mileage than if placed on a roof rack and still have room to sleep on the right side of my Outback. Needed this at North Rim Grand Canyon 2019, cut the trip short. Could have plugged the leak if had been carrying a tire plug kit (2nd picture below). Used those number of times 45 yrs ago with a Land Cruiser on Padre Island, seemed easy as a youngster. Plugged a tire at Big Bend Ranch State Park 2021, was holding fine.

I carry a second jack and lug wrench with the spare wheel so don't have to excavate for those stored with the factory spare.

Condition of our tires

We might think the tires have another 10k+ miles on them, no problem, and tire shops are all around town. But are much more likely to have flats with marginal tires on rough dirt roads in remote areas.

On a 2021 trip with a van in North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we were having breakfast in Medora. Came out and a tire was flat. So glad it happened in town. The tires were rather well worn, should have replaced earlier. No cell service for us; a park ranger advised regards a tire shop and loaned his office phone. A few hours later luckily had new tires and was on the the road again.

Upper Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park, May 2014. Southeastern Utah. Had just got past most of the rough road sections with sharp rocks. No traffic, no cell service. A 57 mile loop and then we are still a ways from town. Didn't have a full size spare wheel, tire plug kit, etc. But the tires were in good shape. Very luckily dodged that bullet. Ignorant SOB! More pictures in the August 2016 issue.

Tow strap and bumper tow hook

Most cars have tow bolts stored with the spare tire (next picture). These screw into ports on the bumpers. Best we find the tow bolt and the bumper ports so we understand how we would connect our tow strap and get a tow.

Once in Maine at a park backed off the parking area gravel pad and was stuck. Our Prius V has a tow bolt. I screwed it into the front bumper, attached my strap, and happily was able to impose upon someone for the little pull out.

Left: tire plug kit. Right: tow bolt screwed into rear bumper port with tow strap. Another port on the front bumper.

Tire inflator

Have an extension power cable to go with, so can reach around the car or to another vehicle. There are battery powered USB rechargeable inflators; these work fine for a low tire but maybe not for a full flat, and then take hours to recharge.

Tire valve tool and spare valves

In Utah 2021, middle of nowhere, stopped when the TPMS (Tire Pressure Management System) light came on. A tire half flat. Used my tire inflator, then heard a little hissing noise. Checked the valve with a drop of spit; it was leaking, and had lost the valve cap. Was going to replace the valve but then would have to fully re-inflate; then I realized the valve was loose, easily tightened (next picture). Best have caps on the valves to keep dirt out and in this case should have kept the valve from coming totally unscrewed and falling out.

Left: spare tire valves, caps, and valve tool below. Right: assorted fuses, rightmost are "low profile mini" fuses for my Outback. The rest could be helpful for other vehicles.

Fuses

Look at the fuses and hopefully read info about what is for what. Understand what physical size and amperage rating they are, and buy an assortment to carry in a toolbag pocket. Previous picture. Wikipedia has a good article.

Camping at Big Bend Ranch state park a buddy inflated an air mattress with an electric inflator plugged into my car's console outlet. Stopped working. Blown fuse. Figured out which fuse; only 10 amp, replaced. Found out the outlet at the rear of the car was on a 20 amp circuit. Used that instead, much safer for our preparedness. Very educational again.

Jumper cables and battery-powered jump starter

Hopefully the cables are long enough to reach between cars that can't be parked nose-to-nose. Jump starters (next picture) can work well if fully charged; charge before trips. I originally thought, the silly little battery in those things surely can't help a car battery. Learned the little battery charges capacitors which discharge to power the starter motor. Used a few times.

Multimeter and know the basics

Good grief the car won't start. Best to first check the battery voltage with a multimeter (next picture); should start if it is at least 11v or so. Low fluid level in the battery? For that add distilled water. Is there another problem, not simply a low battery? Significant corrosion on the terminals? There could be voltage drop across the corrosion, which would appear to be a low battery to the starter motor. Should be around 13v with engine off after driving a bit.

Recently helped a friend with starting problem. The voltage was 12v, should have started. No corrosion on the terminals and fluid levels fine. Maybe a marginal starter motor or solenoid? Started after a short charge.

Before trips check that the multimeter low battery indicator isn't on. And check continuity across the leads, then all should be ok. Here's a tutorial “mostly for beginners who are starting out in electronics and have no idea how to use a multimeter and how it can be useful".

Multimeter (left) and jump starter.

OBD (On Board Diagnostics) scanner

Not commonly carried. I didn't till once when the check engine light came on and cruise control was disabled, happily near home. WHAT THE HELL? Bought a scanner; it said the pollution control system had detected a gas tank leak. I had forgotten to screw the gas cap on till it clicked. Deleted the alert with the scanner and all was fine. These plug into a socket under the dashboard on driver's side. Same problem couple years later on a trip; used my scanner and found the same issue. Same solution. Here's a typical webpage about OBD scanners.

Bag of tools

Of course screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, electrical tape. Have small/medium/large sizes. Channel lock, electrical and vise grip pliers. Does the car has metric or SAE bolt sizing? Likely metric these days. And socket set; can often get by with adjustable wrenches but not always. Try sockets on a few bolts to understand the sizing.

In Lanfair Valley, east side of Mojave National Preserve, southeastern California February 2017. No vehicle problems but some navigation confusion hiking a loop across the Piute Range, out of the picture right. Just north of the historic Mojave Road; saw one vehicle driving through in 2 days. Here's a guide of that route; some sections are 4WD. More pictures of this preserve in the May 2016 issue (PDF).

Solar panel and USB battery packs

I always have a 21 watt folding solar panel on my Outback dashboard connected to a 10,000 mAh battery pack. For charging cell phones etc. The panel will fully charge the battery in as little as a few hours if the sun is optimally angled to the panel. When one is fully charged I switch to another. Parking at trailheads I think about how to orient the car so the panel gets decent sun when I'm hiking. If really need to charge at a campsite I move the panel outside to eliminate the attenuation of the light by the windshield and optimally orient to the sun. Here's about what I bought a couple of.

On a backpacking trip around Mt. Rainier, 12 days, my buddy carried one of these panels. Last picture. We charged our phones at campsites. Rarely had cell service but used the phones for navigation and photography.

Keys

Surely we'll have more than one key. I keep one clipped in top of my daypack and another zipped in a pants pocket. And a 3rd in the car console. Earlier had been putting one key in unzippable pocket of cheap hiking pants. Walking around at-large campsites looking for free firewood on TWO TRIPS found my keys on the ground, had fallen out of the pocket. Wasn't even looking for them yet!

Once at a trailhead didn't properly close my Outback door; pressed the key button to lock. “Beep beep beep”, not locked. Opened door, got an item had forgotten, closed the door, “beep”, locked! Could have left the keys on the seat locked inside, later tested that, yes can happen. A software design problem with the car, our Prius won't do that. Important points found with a basic search: lock the car with a key, not with the door button. And: if the key battery is low the car might not detect it inside.

Have been leaving car windows open 2 inches at trailheads recently. In a pinch imagine could tie trekking poles together with paracord or a boot lace; reach through to opposite door and unlock, and the alarm goes off. I get the 3rd key out of the console, use that and alarm stops.

Lastly, other bits

Stored with my spare wheel in the back: fire extinguisher, small shovel, fireman's axe, folding saw, work gloves. Bunch of the other stuff is stored in a square bucket, which could be needed regards a fire or something.

Crossing North Mowich River on the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, September 2017. My buddy is doing a yoga pose on this temporary crossing; the old crossing "bridge" had been washed away. I was thinking DON'T FALL IN DAMMIT! But he was a younger stronger guy. Then I had to cross. He has my solar panel tied on his pack. More pictures in the August 2019 and June 2017 issues.

From the e-Mailbag

From time-to-time, the Alamo Group receives messages concerning local environmental issues. If you have thoughts on any of these issues, send us a message and we'll forward it to the writer.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors individually and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Alamo Group or its members.

When One Almond Gulps 3.2 Gallons of Water

The New York Times recently published this thought-provoking opinion piece about the water crisis in the Western U.S..

submitted by Joan C.

Outings: The Call of the Wild

Visit the Alamo Sierra Club Outings page on Meetup for detailed information about all of our upcoming Sierra Club Outings.

The Alamo Sierran Newsletter

Richard Alles, Editor
Published by the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club, P.O. Box 6443, San Antonio, TX 78209, AlamoSierraClub.org.
The Alamo Group is one of 13 regional groups within the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.

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