Environmental Quality
Position
Despite the common perceptions surrounding industrial expansion, the Golden Triangle prides itself on being in compliance with federal air quality standards while simultaneously experiencing unprecedented growth. Companies operating in the Golden Triangle have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in air quality improvement projects that have resulted in a 47% reduction in industrial air emissions.
Water, rare in most of the state, is one the most valuable resources found in our green corner of Texas. Protecting and preserving this resource is in the best interest of the region both economically and ecologically.
The Golden Triangle is a major import site for wind and alternative energy infrastructure. Lamar University is at the forefront of fuel cell technology and local plants are dedicated to the viable production of biofuels and other forms of cleaner, more efficient energy.
The Golden Triangle's legislative priorities in environmental quality are those that will promote:
- Continued improvement in efficiency and timeliness of the State emissions permitting programs such that a good balance between economic growth, high equipment reliability and environmental quality is sustained.
- Expeditious EPA approval of TCEQ petition for re-designation of the Golden Triangle as attainment of the 1997 ozone standard.
- Consideration of removing certain Golden Triangle cities from TCEQ "Air Pollutant Watch Lists".
- Recognition that 50% overall emissions reduction and 96% reduction of emissions from plant upsets in the Golden Triangle demonstrates that impressive environmental performance improvement is achievable through stakeholder cooperation as well as regulation.
Water, rare in most of the state, is one the most valuable resources found in our green corner of Texas. Protecting and preserving this resource is in the best interest of the region both economically and ecologically.
The Golden Triangle is a major import site for wind and alternative energy infrastructure. Lamar University is at the forefront of fuel cell technology and local plants are dedicated to the viable production of biofuels and other forms of cleaner, more efficient energy.
The Golden Triangle's legislative priorities in environmental quality are those that will promote:
- Continued improvement in efficiency and timeliness of the State emissions permitting programs such that a good balance between economic growth, high equipment reliability and environmental quality is sustained.
- Expeditious EPA approval of TCEQ petition for re-designation of the Golden Triangle as attainment of the 1997 ozone standard.
- Consideration of removing certain Golden Triangle cities from TCEQ "Air Pollutant Watch Lists".
- Recognition that 50% overall emissions reduction and 96% reduction of emissions from plant upsets in the Golden Triangle demonstrates that impressive environmental performance improvement is achievable through stakeholder cooperation as well as regulation.
News
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Old Braddock gas station may be converted to pump 'biofuels'
Sep 8, 2010 — The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
About 3,000 gallons will hold pure plant oil, with the remainder capacity split for biodiesel fuel -- a blend of a biofuel and diesel -- and diesel, Watten said. The vehicles keep a diesel tank, but special equipment allows the engine to burn pure biofuel from an auxiliary fuel tank installed in the vehicle. The idea is to couple the biofuels filling station with a vacant steel warehouse that would be renovated into a site for converting commercial vehicles to use the biofuels. -
Challenge heightened on EPA air quality rules
Sep 7, 2010 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
These days, it's closer to 3 percent, the researchers found. In 2002, pollution drifting into North Texas from the Houston-Galveston area was responsible for 20 parts per billion of the North Texas ozone levels on peak days. By 2006, Houston was contributing 10 parts per billion on peak days. -
Dallas-Fort Worth residents heeding ozone alerts, study finds
Sep 7, 2010 — The Dallas Morning News
Ozone levels have declined since 2000, especially since 2007. She also related high-ozone days and asthma treatments to smog-inducing hot weather. Yet they didn't produce much high ozone. -
For drilling, how much oversight is enough?
Sep 7, 2010 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Casing refers to steel pipe installed in a well. It has been "extensively tested for the necessary characteristics needed in the oil and gas industry," Nye said. The commission requires steel casing. The commission focuses on sites posing greater environmental risk, Nye said. -
Green Grades for Cars Rankle Auto Industry
Sep 7, 2010 — New York Times
But the labels are distinct.One design would feature a large letter grade for a car's fuel economy and emissions levels. They're not the focus any longer," he said.Industry fears grades could confuse consumersAt least one auto company has thrown its support behind the letter-grade idea. Ltd., which will release a 100-mile-range, fully electric car this year, said it doesn't yet know what mpg-equivalent rating, or letter grade, the Leaf will get. -
North Texas residents heeding ozone alerts, study finds
Sep 7, 2010 — The Dallas Morning News
Ozone levels have declined since 2000, especially since 2007. She also related high-ozone days and asthma treatments to smog-inducing hot weather. Yet they didn't produce much high ozone. -
Once-Lowly Charcoal Emerges as 'Major Tool' for Curbing Carbon
Sep 7, 2010 — New York Times
The point is that against normal biomass, biochar lasts many multiples longer. Watering down charcoal before use will limit those concerns, though, Iowa's Laird said.For some crops, biochar is a no-brainer, particularly rice, Amonette said. Its structure seems to retain water, and depending on the feedstock, biochar can balance soil acidity. -
Report card on South Hampton Roads legislators
Sep 7, 2010 — The Virginian-Pilot
The legislation has the support of Senate Democratic leaders and was approved by the Judiciary Committee but has been awaiting Senate action since May. The bill has stalled in a Senate committee. The bill was offered by Republicans as an alternative to the Democrats' climate control bill but was rejected by the House. -
Local company turns focus to Yuma's natural resources
Sep 6, 2010 — The Yuma Daily Sun
Mara Knaub Sep. 6, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- SouthWestern Technologies (SWT) of Yuma made a million dollars a year. Think about how much energy can be reclaimed from a facility that can handle 130,000 head of cattle. It's going into the air now," Duppstadt said. He also sees potential in geothermal technology, which produces steam used for electricity.
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ABC sale outlined in plan
Sep 9, 2010 — The Free Lance-Star -
Ads to Target Democrats who Supported Health Care Law
Sep 9, 2010 — New York Times -
Banking on infrastructure is good policy, election or not
Sep 9, 2010 — The Boston Globe
