Advocates join forces for a Clean Texas
A Texas Tribune article features the efforts of Texas Impact and over a dozen other non-profit organizations--the Alliance for a Clean Texas (ACT)--as they seek to improve air quality and regulation in our state. As TCEQ goes through the sunset review process, ACT has put forth strategic recommendations for the agency and its processes.
To learn more about Alliance for a Clean Texas, visit www.acttexas.org
Other Alliance for a Clean Texas (ACT) coalition members include:
Sierra Club
Public Citizen (Texas office)
Environmental Defense Fund
Air Alliance of Houston
Texas Campaign for the Environment
SEED Coalition
Environment Texas
Texas League of Conservation Voters
Re-Energize Texas
Environmental Integrity Project
Texas Center for Policy Studies
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
Hill Country Alliance
National Wildlife Foundation
Clean Water Action
Baptist Commission on Christian Life
Toxic Substances Press Conference
Texas Impact, along with members of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition, held a press conference on May 6, 2010 at Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church in San Antonio encouraging Congress to pass legislation protecting Texas families from toxic chemicals.
The current system that regulates toxic chemicals in the United States is outdated and ineffective. When the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed in 1976, the intent of the law was to test and regulate chemicals before they were used in everyday products-- from children's toys, to building materials, to cleaning supplies. However, of the 62,000 chemicals on the market when the law was passed, the EPA has only required testing of 200.
Rev. Tom Heger of Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church spoke at the event. He explained that people of faith have a duty to care for God's Creation, as well as vulnerable populations , such as the children and elderly. Toxic chemical regulation is one way to do that.
Betty-the-Be-Safe-Ducky made an appearance to remind parents that even the most innocuous looking toys can be dangerous for children. San Antonio parent, Jason Roberts, said that his life totally changed when his daughter was born last month. Before her birth, Jason didn't pay much attention to toxic chemicals, but now he is calling for stricter government regulation of chemicals that are potentially harmful.
A representative from Congressman Charlie Gonzalez was also present. Congressman Gonzalez, who is on the Energy and Commerce Committee that hears the bill, will be front and center as the TSCA bill moves forward. To let the Congressman know you support this bill, you can call his San Antonio office at (210) 472-6195.
The press release is attached below.
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| San Antonio Press Release.doc | 29 KB |
MAKE POLLUTION HISTORY: TCEQ Sunset Review
This year presents Texans with a once-in-a-decade opportunity to improve the way our 
state environmental agency carries out its mission to protect our health and natural resources. Currently, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is under review by Texas lawmakers, who will recommend improvements to the agency and, ultimately, pass “sunset” legislation that will shape the way TCEQ operates for the next ten-plus years.
Texans expect our environmental agency to protect our health. Right now, TCEQ often falls short of these expectations due to lax enforcement of existing clean air and water laws. The sunset review process offers all concerned Texans a chance to advocate for much-needed reforms at TCEQ.
Alliance for a Clean Texas (ACT) is Texas' umbrella organization for conservation, consumer, faith and other groups to work together on environmental concerns. As a founding member of ACT, Texas Impact is helping to organize grassroots education and advocacy around the TCEQ sunset process.
WHY IT’S TIME TO IMPROVE TCEQ
AIR
The U.S. EPA has declared TCEQ’s air pollution permit system violates the federal Clean Air Act and fails to allow significant public participation.
WATER
TCEQ recently proposed rules that would increase the amount of E. coli bacteria allowed in Texas waterways before they are considered polluted.
WASTE
Rather than require new landfills to meet decades-old federal standards, TCEQ currently allows trash facilities to expand atop old landfills—frequently over sites without protective liners—often creating literal mountains of garbage.
JUSTICE
TCEQ’s enforcement of pollution violations is so weak that, in many cases, paying the penalty costs less than actually cleaning up the problem. In other words, in Texas it often pays to pollute.
All Eyes on Copenhagen
We are all closely watching the discussions at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) - the major international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark. For those observers who are interested in the process but would like more basic information on what the negotiations are and who they key players will be (or learn what LULUCF stands for), see Copenhagen 101 on the Texas Interfaith Power & Light website.
Going Green: A Dialogue on Austin’s New Energy Plan
Texas Impact and State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez invite you to a green energy forum, "Going Green: A Dialogue on Austin’s New Energy Plan," followed by an open discussion with representatives from Austin Energy.
October 22, 2009
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Cristo Rey Catholic Church – Education Center
2215 East 2nd Street
Austin, Texas 78702
Congressional Action Alert: Support Climate and Energy Legislation
UPDATE: US HOUSE PASSES H.R. 2454 American Clean Energy and Security Act 219-212.
All Texas Republicans voted NO
Three Texas Democrats voted NO: Edwards, Ortiz and Rodriguez.
All other Texas Democrats voted YES.
Find out about the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) here
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the "Waxman Markey" climate and energy bill as early as next week, before leaving town for the July 4th recess. The bill, named the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), would cap US greenhouse gas emissions and move the US toward a renewable energy future.
A new report by the federal US Global Change Research Program shows that climate change is already having visible impacts in the United States and Texas. The report found that global warming has already raised average winter temperatures in Texas and the Great Plains by more than 6 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 30 years. If global warming pollution continues under the report’s high emissions scenario, scientists expect Texas to experience the following impacts:
- Average temperatures will increase between 4.5°F and 9°F of average warming by the 2080s
- Sea level rise in the Gulf Coast is projected to be as high as 2 to 4 feet by 2050 to 2100, increasing the risk of flooding and catastrophic damage to buildings and infrastructure
- The risk of major hurricanes is likely to be exacerbated, posing a serious risk to people, personal property and public infrastructure
- Projected increases in temperature and drought frequency will add more stress to already overtaxed water sources
Faith Statements on the "American Clean Energy and Security Act"
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Great Letter to the Editor by Texas Impact Member
United Methodist Peace and Justice Educator and Texas Impact member Bren Hardt was published this morning in the Houston Chronicle! Her letter, linking national efforts to address climate change to the weather damage seen in her garden, can be found here.
As Congress debates over climate change legislation, it is critical that the faith community voice its strong support for renewable energy. You can make the difference between effective legislation and business as usual. Please consider writing a letter to the editor to your local newspaper and don't hesitate to call or email us. Texas Impact is always available for resources and support.
SB 205 Texas Children and Nature Partnership passes House
The Texas Children and Nature Partnership (SB205) has passed through both the Senate and House committees with broad support. The bill has made it to the local and uncontested calendar and therefore has good chance of success. When adopted, the Texas Children and Nature Partnership will bring together several state agencies and public stakeholders to develop a state plan to get kids outdoors, get fit and active lifestyle, enjoy and learn about nature, and become good environmental stewards. Thanks for all of your calls and messages. Special thanks to Senator Shapleigh and Representative Howard for leading the charge. Learn more about SB205 at:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB205.
National Energy and Climate Bill Would Help Texas
Addressing Faith Community’s Equity Concerns in Waxman-Markey Bill Would Help Texans
Find out about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
Texas faith communities know that energy and global warming are not isolated issues, but instead impact every other area of human life, from the health care ministries treating children with pollution-induced asthma…to the youth groups flocking to the coast on hurricane-recovery missions…to local interfaith low-income weatherization projects…and more.
We are excited at the potential in the Waxman Markey discussion draft bill the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. We believe the Waxman Markey bill will afford important opportunities for Texas to remain a global energy leader as we transition to a clean energy economy while maintaining important safeguards for all members of the community including existing industries and low-income Texans.
Positive Aspects of Waxman Markey for Texas
• National renewable energy standard will help builds Texas’ renewable industries
• Growth in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors will create more than 60,000 new jobs in Texas.
• Pollution reduction from clean energy and renewables will help Texas nonattainment areas come into compliance with federal clean air laws.
• Increased energy efficiency will reduce future demand on ratepayers by reducing growth in peak electric demand and diminishing future need for new generation.
Improvements Needed in Waxman Markey to Benefit Texas
• 100% auction of carbon credits is needed to ensure that funds are available to level energy costs for low-income rate payers and other adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• Any carbon offsets provided in the bill should be mandated to be of uniformly high quality so that Texas energy producers can compete on a level playing field.
• No new coal plants should be permitted without carbon capture and sequestration technology—allowing old-style plants to be brought online will obligate ratepayers for years of ongoing maintenance and operations for technology that cannot be economically viable in a new energy economy.
Climate and Coal
Climate Change
U.S. regulation of carbon emissions is becoming more likely. As the nation's largest carbon emitter, Texas should prepare now for carbon regulation and quantify the potential costs of adapting to climate change that is already occurring.
Our Recommendations
- Require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to develop and present to the Legislature a report containing a list of "no regrets" emission reduction strategies for greenhouse gases with no costs or savings to the State, consumers, or businesses.
- Establish a statewide greenhouse gas emissions inventory to provide a baseline for measuring reductions under futue federal emissions reduction policies and recognizing early reducers for appropriate credit.
- Require an interim report on the costs of adaptation in the binational border area including health and agricultural costs.
Coal
As a major source of both power and carbon emissions in Texas, coal is an integral part of the conversation about Texas' energy future. The challenge is to accurately monitor coal's current environmental impacts and plan its future in Texas.
Our Recommendations
- Require TCEQ to consider cumulative environmental and health impacts of all projects affecting an area in the permitting process
- Increase the number of air quality monitoring stations, especially in counties that may become non-attainment areas under the Clean Air Act.
- Adopt a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants that do not capture CO2 emissions.
- Develop state regulations governing the sequestration of CO2 in geologic formations.
