Houston Regional Group - News

Action on Mayor Bill White's proposal to incorporate toxic air pollution in a nuisance ordinance by using cancer risk estimates as health based air pollution limits has been delayed until May. The Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), whose industrial members are concerned about the initiative, has created a committee to determine how to reduce toxic air pollutants like Benzene and 1,3 - Butadiene.

A public hearing was held in February about the nuisance ordinance. Except for the East Harris County Manufacturer's Association, GHP, Houston East End Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, all testified in favor of the nuisance ordinance. Mayor White stated he would wait six weeks before taking action.

Weakening changes were made to the nuisance ordinance after the public hearing. The Houston Sierra Club (HSC) submitted written comments and appeared before Houston City Council to oppose these changes.

Two exceptions to the nuisance ordinance were created for facilities that emit less than 10 tons/year of one hazardous air pollutant or 25 tons/year cumulatively of two or more hazardous air pollutants and for facilities that have entered into an agreement with the City of Houston (COH) to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants and are in compliance with that agreement. The HSC supports removal of these two exceptions from the nuisance ordinance so that public health, welfare, safety, and the environment are fully protected.

The HSC requested clarification from the COH whether it had the legal authority to pursue air polluters outside of its jurisdiction if they cause nuisances inside the COH limits. The HSC also supports funding for and implementation of a program that monitors toxic air pollutants that are listed in the proposed nuisance ordinance.

The HSC will continue to monitor and participate in COH efforts to reduce toxic air pollutants.

May 2007

Last updated:  03/31/2007.   Content © 1999-2007 by the Sierra Club.