The Lone Star Sierra Club's Water for People and the Environment Committee held its last monthly meeting virtually on April 14 focused on the topic of PFAS, with guest speaker Dr. Katie Pelch from the Natural Resouces Defense Council (NRDC). PFAS is a class of compounds referred to as 'forever chemicals' because of their persistence in the environment. Dr. Pelch discussed the issues related to PFAS: primary sources, how they enter our water supplies and food chains, and the resulting environmental and health impacts on agricultural crops, livestock, and human health. PFAS contamination has been detected in some Texas counties, and many states across the country. Possible legislation to address the environmental impacts of PFAS chemicals is currently being considered in the Texas Legislature. 

A recording of the April 14 meeting is available, in two parts this time, the first can be accessed at: Passcode Required - Zoom and the second part at: Passcode Required - Zoom; the passcode for each part is: $U2Q!zxS

Or contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com to request access. 

Some resources on PFAS:

State Action on PFAS in Consumer Products - Safer States

Interactive Map: PFAS Contamination Crisis: New Data Show 9,166 Sites in 50 States

The next Water for People and the Environment Committee will take place virtually on Monday, May 12. Details at this link: SC Water for People & Env. Committee: Texas Proposal to Import Water by Pipeline, Mon, May 12, 2025, 6:30 PM | Meetup

One can also register for that event here: Meeting Registration - Zoom

The topic of the May 12 meeting will focus on proposals to build water pipelines across the state. The speaker will be Dr. Ken Kramer, former Lone Star Sierra Club Director, who will share his insights on the state's proposals to build a statewide pipeline (aka water "gridzilla") and bring water from out of state. 
 

The purpose of the Water for People and Environment Committee:

These online public meetings are for all Texans interested in water issues, advocacy, organizing and networking.

Purpose: To enhance local and statewide water advocacy efforts and empower Texas residents to advocate for water in their communities.
- Active statewide collaborative network of water advocates
- Increased public awareness of water issues across the state
- Increased engagement in water advocacy among Texas residents
- Transformative policy impact