This article outlines how Texas hasn't been in compliance with the regulations set forth by the Clean Air Act. As a reminder, the Clean Air Act focuses on reducing smog and air pollution in general and improving air quality, which could lead to less health concerns *asthma*. Texas however, hasn't been in compliance with the Clean Air Act.
"One main point of contention is the state's use of a so-called flexible permit, which sets an air emissions cap for an entire facility but allows leeway for various units within that facility. Regulators and environmental groups say that hinders enforcement of clean-air rules, and Armendariz said that type of permit has never been federally approved."
So through loopholes that aren't even legal, Texas has been able to slide through on the regulations and continue on with their business, the EPA has begun to require detailed permits from these facilities that aren't in compliance with the Clean Air Act but is this enough? The EPA wants to let them off with a slap on the wrist, but is this truly enough of a punishment for the pollution they've been creating? That remains the question and please post your own responses knowing full well that things such as Asthma have been on the rise due to increased air pollution.
i agree with sam that they shouldnt be letting texas off so easily, if any environmental regulations are going to be taken serious then the agencies designed to enforce these laws need to be strict
ReplyDeleteFor my sustainability project my group studied and found out more about asthma and its triggers. It is interesting to find that nearly 10% of children in the United States have a form of asthma. Air pollution, mainly particulate matter, is the most bothersome to people with asthma. The Clean Air Act was implemented in order to stop growing asthma rates and it has been very unsuccessful due to the EPA's lack of authority. It is a crime to break a federal law and those facilities and such that are sliding by need to be punished in order to stop the pollution.
ReplyDeleteThis brings up the issue which has plagued United States governance since its inception over two centuries ago--the role of states' rights v. the role of a powerful central government. Some may argue that it should be the right of Texas and its citizens to decide for themselves whether or not they'll comply with these sweeping regulations.The problem with enacting National regulations is that it is often that they don't comply with the desires of the minority, and it is more difficult to respect the minority when legislation is enacted on such a massive scale.
ReplyDeleteOverall though, I agree that Texas should comply with this worthwhile legislation.
In my opinion, Texes deserves worse from the EPA than a "slap on the wrist". All facilities that are not compliant should get two warnings, and finally be closed until they can clean up their act. Asthma, being on the rise here in the US, needs to be monitered and kept managed or else large portions of the population may not be able to live and prosper near these polluting facilities, which I'm sure are providing an ecomonic boost to the area.
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