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TCEQ Commissioners Welcome New EPA Region 6 Administrator

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Please note that my sarcasm is in check.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LISA WHEELER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009 PHONE: 512-239-5003 / PAGER: 512-606-3681

[Links to enlightening, additional information added by TXsharon.]

TCEQ Commissioners Welcome New EPA Region 6 Administrator
EPA and TCEQ to discuss new public participation rules

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality commissioners today hosted recently appointed EPA Region 6 Administrator Dr. Alfredo “Al” Armendariz at the commission headquarters in Austin. The purpose of the visit was not only to welcome the new administrator to his new position but also to discuss the various rules regarding Texas’ successful air program. Yesterday, commissioners approved for publication a new rule package seeking to expand public participation in the state’s air permit process.

“Texas’ air quality permitting program is already one of the most robust in the nation,” said Chairman Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D. “The TCEQ has taken proactive, aggressive measures to improve air quality in Texas. Air emissions and pollution concentrations in our state are at their lowest level in the past 20 years, while Texas continues to maintain a strong, growing economy.”

“I have always viewed public participation as a vital component in the permitting process,” said Commissioner Buddy Garcia. “I appreciate Dr. Armendariz spending time with each of us today, and I look forward to working with him to show the rest of the nation how Texas has been successful and will continue to lead on environmental issues.”

“Texas already has a meaningful and engaging public participation process that directly impacts permits and provides significant environmental safeguards,” said Commissioner Carlos Rubinstein. “I welcome the rule changes that will provide even greater public participation and transparency.”

A public hearing to accept comment on the proposed rule revisions will take place January 25, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in Building E, Room 201 S, at the TCEQ campus, 12100 Park 35 Circle, in Austin. The comment period will end on February 16.

About Sharon Wilson

Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    That is by far the biggest, stinky load of steaming bullshit I've ever read in my entire life.

  4. Tim Ruggiero says

    We live in the state of Texas, one of the 50 states of the United States. What Texas are these jackasses from?

  5. Tim Ruggiero says

    I think I might have to go to this hearing and ask them what Texas are they referring to? I think I'll bring some of my many hours of video showing the air quality around my house for the last two months. If it was any thicker, I could carve off a few pieces and bring it with me. Then again, the TSA would likely not let me bring it on a plane- it would be considered a weapon.

  6. Anonymous says

    "Texas' air quality permitting program is already one of the most robust in the nation,”

    Like others here, I have to ask what planet that Chairman is from. DISH would not have it's air pollution problems if the TCEQ was on the ball, nor would there be Purple Alert Air Quality days.

  8. Anonymous says

    You know what breathing dirty air, esp. "huffing" benzene/gasoline, can do to a person's brain cells and perception of reality, don't ya? Plus, what do the letters P–, H–, and D– stand for again?

  9. Cheap Tricks and Costly Truths says

    "huffing" causes brain damage…maybe that's it, ya know…why their perception is so OUT THERE!