The University of Houston-Victoria will play host for the Gulf Coast Oil and Gas Pollution Prevention Workshop Tuesday and Wednesday. The events will be presented by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from 9 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. each day in the Alcorn Auditorium in UHV’s University West building, 3007 N. Ben Wilson.

 

The workshops will focus on reducing air pollution from the oil and natural gas industry, said Jeff Voorhis, who is organizing the event for TCEQ. Topics will include pollution-prevention requirements, ways to reduce pollution and save money, and demonstrations of pollution-preventing technology. The event also will include success stories about companies that have increased their profit margins while improving their environmental friendliness. About 150 people are expected to attend over the two days.

 

“You can be green simultaneously in terms of the environment and making money,” Voorhis said. “We’ll even tell you how to do it at no cost. This event is really a win-win for everyone in the industry.”

 

The event is free and open to anyone in the oil and natural gas industry. It offers up to four hours of continuing education credits for professional engineers.

 

“UHV strives to be environmentally conscious,” said Facilities Services Director Michael Ruland, who oversees the university’s environmental initiatives. “Hosting this event gives us a chance to help improve the environment and assist an industry that is vital to our area economy to prosper.”

 

UHV President Tim Hudson was the first Texas signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment initiative in 2007. Under the agreement, universities work to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to pursue a neutral affect on the climate.

 

For more information, contact Voorhis at (512) 239-3178 or jvoorhis@tceq.state.tx.us.