A new TexPIRG analysis of a proposed Bush administration rule reveals that residents of Texas would lose valuable information about the amounts and type of harmful chemicals discharged by industrial facilities in their neighborhoods if the rule is finalized.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson proposed changes to the Toxics Release Inventory Program (TRI) in October 2005 that would significantly decrease the information that the public and state and local officials have about harmful chemicals released into Texas’ water, air, and land.
“On the anniversary of the deadliest chemical accident in history in Bhopal, India, Administrator Johnson wants to help corporate polluters hide toxic pollution,” stated TexPIRG Advocate Metzger. “The Bush Administration’s proposal puts corporations first and communities last.”
President Bush responded to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy's (USCOP) report today by signing an executive order to establish a cabinet-level Committee on Ocean Policy. Environment Texas, the new home of TexPIRG's environmental work, commends the White House for recognizing that our oceans are in crisis.
The creation of a cabinet-level body to coordinate the management of our oceans sounds promising, and we remain cautiously optimistic about the initiative the administration seems to be taking on this issue. But the devil is in the details, and we urge the administration to ensure that the guiding principles of the Committee on Ocean Policy are to protect, restore and conserve our oceans and coasts
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.
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.
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.
Environment Texas Research and Policy Center is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.
