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News Release | Environment Texas

Ocean Report to President - Administration Must Act Now to Save Our Oceans

Today, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) delivered its final report and recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy to President Bush. Mandated by Congress in the Oceans Act of 2000, and appointed by the President himself, the Commission's take home message is undeniable - our oceans are in deep trouble. The Bush administration now has 90 days to respond and make policy recommendations to Congress.

While those who recognize the fragility of marine ecosystems applaud most of the USCOP's recommendations, it is unclear that the Bush administration will make oceans the priority it should. Environment Texas, the new home of TexPIRG's environmental work, urges the Administration to heed the alarm bells sounded by the Commission. The Bush administration should act on this historic opportunity to shift course and take action to protect and conserve our precious and valuable oceans.

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Report | Environment Texas

A Review of Texas’ and Other States’ Policies on Recovery of Economic Benefit Through Administrative Penalties in Environmental Enforcement

In December 2003, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) launched a year-long, comprehensive review of its enforcement program and practices. The review comes after a string of reports by state and federal auditors, non-profits and academics that document that the agency’s “enforcement process does not consistently ensure that violators are held accountable”.

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Report | Environment Texas

Our Water, Our Future: A Review of Texas Water Policy

Water scarcity is a worldwide issue and will affect an increasing number of people as the world population grows from the current 6 billion to 9 billion by mid-century. U.N. studies indicate that 2.7 billion people will face severe water shortages by 2025 if consumption continues at current rates. Not only sheer population growth but also urbanization will strain water resources.  While historically more people have lived in the countryside than cities, that trend has been changing, and by 2020, urban dwellers will outnumber their rural counterparts.

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News Release | Environment Texas

Texas Ranked 1st Nationwide in Toxic Pollution Linked to Cancer and Neurological Problems

Texas ranked 1st for pollution linked to cancer and neurological problems in the country according to a new report released today by TexPIRG. In Nueces County 437,450 pounds of toxic chemicals linked to cancer were released in 2000, the most recent year for which data have been collected. Since 1987, toxic pollution linked to serious health effects has shifted from the traditionally industrial northeast and midwest to the south and southeast.

TexPIRG's report, Toxic Releases and Health: A Review of Pollution Data and Current Knowledge on the Health Effects of Toxic Chemicals, is a first ever analysis by health effect of air and water releases reported by industry to the Toxic Release Inventory Program from 1987 to 2000. The review of these data demonstrates the degree to which toxic substances with links to serious health problems are released into the environment.

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News Release | Environment Texas

Texas Ranked 1st Nationwide in Toxic Pollution Linked to Cancer and Neurological Problems

Texas ranked 1st for pollution linked to cancer and neurological problems in the country according to a new report released today by TexPIRG. In Nueces County 437,450 pounds of toxic chemicals linked to cancer were released in 2000, the most recent year for which data have been collected. Since 1987, toxic pollution linked to serious health effects has shifted from the traditionally industrial northeast and midwest to the south and southeast.

TexPIRG's report, Toxic Releases and Health: A Review of Pollution Data and Current Knowledge on the Health Effects of Toxic Chemicals, is a first ever analysis by health effect of air and water releases reported by industry to the Toxic Release Inventory Program from 1987 to 2000. The review of these data demonstrates the degree to which toxic substances with links to serious health problems are released into the environment.

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