Our Vision for a SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
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WE ENVISION a sustainable environment in a region that is more ‘green-minded’ than ever. The Coastal Bend manages its natural resources responsibly to ensure their continued access for future generations. We promote environmental conservation that improves our quality of life and attracts visitors to the region. Coastal Bend governments have implemented long-range plans to keep our air and water clean, preserve open space and natural habitats, and integrate sustainability goals into local city plans and operations. Our clean coastline and beaches continue to provide scenic vistas and pristine waters that are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. Local industries have reduced pollution levels while economic development has attracted new, non-polluting forms of industry to the region. The Coastal Bend is a national leader in waste reduction and recycling, and uses local alternative energy sources to further its energy self-reliance.

Population Growth

1 Steady Population Growth. The population of Corpus Christi and the region has grown steadily and sustainably, as more people choose to stay and new people are attracted from other places.

2 Sustainable Infrastructure Growth. The Coastal Bend has well-maintained infrastructure that has grown to support an expanded population in a sustainable manner.

Natural Resources and Alternative Energy

3 Managing Natural Resources. Natural resources in the Coastal Bend are responsibly managed, ensuring access for future generations and improving our quality of life without harm to the environment.

4 Energy Self-Reliant Region. The Coastal Bend region not only meets all of its own energy needs, but also exports locally-generated solar, wind and geothermal energy.
5 Sustainable Energy Production. The Coastal Bend has become a leader in wind, solar and Gulf current energy technologies, utilizing the local environment to generate sustainable energy.

6 Alternative Energy in Local Government. Local governments are leaders in utilizing alternative energy sources and in creating policies and incentives that encourage alternative energy use in the community.

Coast and Natural Surroundings

7 Preservation of Natural Environment. Our natural assets and environment have been conserved and capitalized on responsibly, improving local quality of life and attracting visitors.

8 Clean Coastline and Beaches. The Coastal Bend enjoys clean coastlines and beaches that provide scenic views and are enjoyed responsibly by residents and tourists alike.

Pollution, Air and Water Quality

9 Reduction of Air and Water Pollution. The Coastal Bend and local industries have successfully reduced pollution levels, ensuring that residents and visitors continue to enjoy clean air and water.

10 Planning for Air and Water Quality. Coastal Bend governments have proactively enforced pollution regulations and implemented long-term plans to keep our air and water clean.

11 Protection of Coastal Water Quality. Our region’s coastal waters have been maintained in pristine condition, sustaining aquatic life and ensuring their continued enjoyment by residents and visitors.

BoldFuture for the Coastal Bend 14 Final Vision Statements and Ideas July 28, 2009
12 Clean Industrial Development. New non-polluting industries have brought economic development to the Coastal Bend without compromising its environmental quality.

Sustainability, Recycling and Conservation

13 A ‘Green’ Minded Community. The Coastal Bend is a “green-minded” region where residents and businesses value and take responsibility for the environment and sustainability.

14 Planning for Sustainability. Sustainability has been integrated into local city planning, with green buildings and development that preserves open space and natural habitats.

15 ‘Zero Consumption’ Community. Corpus Christi has become a self-reliant, “zero-consumption” community, recycling 100 percent of its waste and developing its own sustainable sources for water and energy.

16 Recycling Leader. The Coastal Bend is a leading region for recycling, where residents participate in a comprehensive, user-friendly recycling program including a major recycling facility that processes materials from across the region, reducing waste sent to landfills and providing local jobs.