TX Leads US In Water Violations - EPA Enforcement Down 60% Jan-Jun 17 Compared To Obama, Clinton

[hatrack]

EDIT

Across the state, companies are dumping excess pollutants into rivers that are already struggling, which will extend the recovery process and be detrimental to the aquatic species and people who use it for recreation, Metzger said. For example, the Neches River, which is one of the dirtiest and most polluted rivers in the state and parts of it have been designated as “impaired” by the EPA, is one of the most common sites where polluters dumped toxic waste.

While the report hints at weak accountability for repeat corporate offenders, it’s not yet entirely clear whether some pollution cases will result in fines. Since the researchers looked at violations in 2016 and 2017, it’s too early to say whether TCEQ will choose to issue fines in some cases, which can take several months to years. Still, Metzger said that based on the companies’ poor compliance history and TCEQ’s lax enforcement record, it seemed likely the facilities would face few repercussions.

And some context: Texas likely has the highest pollution ranking because it has a large number of industrial facilities. However, the state also ranks first in facilities that exceeded pollution standards multiple times and for facilities that broke permitted limits seven times or more.

The report notes that there’s been a decrease in federal enforcement under the Trump administration, both in the number of cases the EPA is pursuing, as well as the fine amounts issued. In the first six months of the administration, the agency collected 60 percent less in fines compared with under Obama, Bush and Clinton. The problem is likely to get worse. The administration has proposed reducing the EPA’s budget for civil enforcement by $30.4 million for 2019. The federal budget that pays for grants assisting states in reducing water pollution has also been slashed by about 20 percent for 2018 and 2019. Those budgets cuts, combined with TCEQ’s history of turning a blind eye to repeat corporate polluters, will worsen water quality in the state, said Metzger.

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https://www.texasobserver.org/dirtying-the-waters-texas-ranks-first-in-violating-water-rules/

[walkingman]

1. As a Texan I can tell you that our legislative heroes are owned by the oil and gas corps.

I feel for the kids and grandkids who will pay a great price in the future for the actions of their parents. You cannot eat or drink fossil fuels. Wake up my fellow Texans!

[Angry Dragon]

2. Corporations only worry about making money and to hell with people