Rio Grande International Study Center

We are excited to announce the publication of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional services to support a groundbreaking schoolyard forest project in Laredo, TX called “Adelante con Arboles: How Native Trees and Schoolyard Forests Can Breathe Life into a South Texas Border Community.” The RFQ opens today March 19, 2025, and will close April 21, 2025. “Adelante con Arboles” is an urban forestry initiative by RGISC in partnership with Laredo ISD. It was 1 of only 5 projects selected in Texas by the Texas A&M Forest Service. We will focus on 8 campuses to expand native tree canopy and creating valuable outdoor learning opportunities for students. For more details, please visit the RFQ on our Website by clicking: rgisc.org/bids We encourage all qualified firms and consultants to submit a proposal. Please share this opportunity with those who may be interested. For questions or further details, feel free to reach out to Dr. Anjala Pyakurel, Project Manager- RGISC at [email protected] or 956 718 1063. Thank you for your support in making Laredo’s schools greener and healthier for future generations!

We had a powerful day at the Texas Capitol earlier this week advocating for State Revolving Fund (SRF) reforms to ensure equitable water infrastructure investments across Texas! Alongside our partners - Bayou City Waterkeeper, Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience and West Street Recovery - we met with lawmakers to push for critical SRF improvements, including: ? Expanding access to funding for disadvantaged communities ? Increasing loan forgiveness and reducing match requirements for small water systems ? Enhancing technical assistance to help under-resourced municipalities navigate the funding process We also shared an analysis detailing the urgent need for SRF reforms and how these changes can help ensure clean, affordable, and resilient water systems for all Texans. A huge thank you to the Texas Water Foundation for organizing this important event and to River Network, PolicyLink, and the Water Equity & Climate Resilience (WECR) Caucus for their continued support in advancing water justice efforts. Together, we’re ensuring that water justice remains a priority for our underserved and historically marginalized communities in South Texas. Stay tuned for updates as we continue our SRF advocacy work! #RGISC #WaterForTexas #SRFReform #WaterEquity #TXWater #RGISC #InfrastructureForAll

https://rgisc.org/careers/ We are excited to announce that our Laredo-based environmental nonprofit is seeking qualified and experienced candidates for the position, Chief Operating and Human Resources Officer! The COHR will provide strategic leadership in operations and HR, supporting RGISC’s mission and growth. This role is crucial in maintaining organizational efficiency and day-to-day workflow, fostering a positive culture, and ensuring compliance with employment regulations. The COHR will focus on: Operational Excellence, Resource Management, Internal Processes, and Supporting the Executive Director. To view the full job description and apply on our RGISC career page, click the link below. Please share this opportunity with your networks. Thank you for helping us spread the word!

?? New Report Released!?? In partnership with Commission Shift and Texans For Public Justice, RGISC has contributed to a new report revealing how the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has consistently approved excessive venting and flaring permits with minimal oversight, allowing operators to waste an unprecedented 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas – primarily composed of methane – by the end of the decade, enough to power Texas homes for over 15 years. This failure to regulate flaring harms public health, damages air quality ???, and accelerates climate change ??. Webb County frequently ranks among the Top 3 natural gas-producing counties in Texas, making our community particularly vulnerable to the harmful impacts of flaring. At RGISC, we are committed to protecting the Rio Grande, impacted families, and advocating for stronger protections to safeguard the health and well-being of frontline communities like ours. ?? Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g3YcE6bf ?? Read the accompanying press release here: https://lnkd.in/gqWcnXyp #Flaring #EnvironmentalJustice #ClimateChange #GreenhouseGas #Methane #RRCTransparency #RGISC #CleanAir #PublicHealth

Get ready…..Get SET! CHARGE!!! ? ?? Electrify the Future: Seminar on Electric Trucks and Solar ? was a HIT with over 80 people in attendance. We discussed the significance of electric vehicles, learned about new EPA rules regarding trucks, got perspectives at the federal, state, and local level, and discussed government funds and tax incentives for electric vehicles, solar panels, and their respective infrastructure. A big thank you to the Laredo freight industry for turning out for this event, participating, and all you do for our great city. Thank you to all those that made this event a reality: Office of U.S. Rep Henry Cuellar TX Rep. Richard Raymond Councilmember Melissa R. Cigarroa Councilmember Alyssa Cigarroa Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Earthjustice PEG Energy Greenspace E-mobility Forza Transportation Prida Multimodal logistics Nothing Bundt Cakes Laredo Falcon International Bank Event Center Adrian Zapata, Chairman of the Board for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce

RGISC's Allison Guzman spoke to Mindy Casso from KGNS+ about the Electrify the Future: Seminar on EVs and Solar ? ?? ? HAPPENING TOMORROW 7/30 at Falcon International Bank Event Center (7718 McPherson Rd.) Lunch will be provided by SCRATCH SANDWICH COMPANY LP ?? ?? ! Please register at https://lnkd.in/eT67sk_i. See you there!

PANELIST PROMO! ?? ?? Laredo Freight leader ROBERTO PEREZ-LEVI, CEO of Forza Transportation Services, shares his insights on electric vehicles and the savings they can create! Register for ? Electrify the Future ? Seminar (7/30) today at https://lnkd.in/eT67sk_i

REGISTER TODAY ??for an educational discussion about grants and rebates for the Laredo freight industry-- the businesses that MOVE Laredo on July 30th at the Falcon Bank Event Center https://lnkd.in/eT67sk_i

?? Exciting AD brought to you by KGNS+! ?? The Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) is thrilled to present an upcoming event on July 30th at the Falcon Bank Event Center, focusing on federal funding opportunities for electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels for the local freight industry—the BACKBONE of Laredo's economy! ?? ?? ?? Join us to learn how your business can benefit, and register now at https://lnkd.in/eT67sk_i. We look forward to seeing you there, with panelists from PEG Energy, Forza Transportation Services, Palos Garza, Greenspace E-mobility, and Earthjustice

Electrifying the Future: Seminar on Solar and Electric Trucks will highlight historic federal BIL and IRA funding opportunities and tax credits? for electric commercial vehicles and solar panels for private businesses! We encourage members of the Laredo freight industry and tax specialists to come and learn with RGISC and panelists from PEG Energy, Palos Garza Trucking, PRIDA SERVICIOS CORPORATIVO SAPI DE CV (Prida Multimodal Logistics, Inc.,) and Forza Transportation Services! Refreshments and lunch served. Register today to attend at the Falcon Bank Event Center at 10:30 on Tuesday, July 30th.?https://lnkd.in/eT67sk_i ------------- ?Electrificando el Futuro: Acompananos en un Seminario sobre Camiones Solares y Eléctricos que resaltará las oportunidades históricas de financiamiento federal BIL e IRA (La ley de infraestructura bipartidista y la ley de reducción de la inflación) y los créditos fiscales para vehículos comerciales eléctricos y paneles solares para empresas privadas! ?Tendremos miembros de la industria de carga de Laredo y a los especialistas en impuestos a que vengan y aprendan con RGISC y panelistas de PEG Energy, Palos Garza Trucking, PRIDA SERVICIOS CORPORATIVO SAPI DE CV (Prida Multimodal Logistics, Inc.,) and Forza Transportation Services! Se servirán refrigerios y almuerzo. Regístrese hoy para asistir en el Falcon Bank Event Center el Martes, 30 de Julio a las 10:30 de la ma?ana. https://lnkd.in/eT67sk_i