24. Dallas, TX

Taking the Bull by the Horns

“Live large, think big!” That’s the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau’s slogan, and it might be the reason the city’s sustainability rank is holding at a steady 24, instead of climbing the charts. If Dallas could only harness Texas’ fierce individualism and trailblazing persona, sustainability – not the Cowboys – could be the first thing you think of when you hear “Dallas.” Treading water may be enough to stay afloat, but it won’t bring the city any closer to the upper echelons of sustainability. There is some good news though—the city is fighting the challenges presented by the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth “Metroplex,” by expanding public transit and promoting inner-city living, which should improve air quality problems.

(Photo by Fcn80)

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City Study 2008: Dallas Articles

Dallas Speaks: Q&A with City Officials

SustainLane spoke with Dallas city officials in August of 2008. On the line with us was Laura Fiffick, now former director of the Office of Environmental Quality; Nicole Cooper, environmental coordinator for air quality; Eric Griffin, current interim director of the Office of Environmental Quality; and Meghna Tare of the sustainability office. Dallas is working to increase sustainability through many local and regional, and public and private partnerships, they said. These collaborations are crucial, as the city faces staggering air quality problems due to industry.more »

Dallas Does Green

Submitted by Dallas May

I have been very proud of Dallas, TX since moving here in 2006. Don't get me wrong- Dallas has a lot of problems and has a long way to go. But Dallas has made some major strides toward becoming a very green city. There have been advances in commuter rail, recycling, energy efficient buildings, electronic and chemical recycling, and many other things.more »