Texas' Ozone Success Changing Standards Mask Texas' Air Quality Achievements By Kathleen Hartnett White
Over the last 10 years, while Texas achieved record setting economic growth, ozone has declined far more than in most other states. EPA, however, keeps changing the ozone standard. EPA’s proposed new standard masks the genuine air quality achievements in Texas and would have widespread economic consequences across the state.
Texas, having an economy tied to energy development and manufacturing, is particularly vulnerable to adverse impacts from federal mandates to reduce greenhouse gases. If pending legislation such as the Waxman-Markey bill is enacted, the Texas economy will significantly decline and thousands of valuable jobs will be lost.
This fact sheet provides a clear, concise examination of the adverse effects that legislation such as the Waxman-Markey bill (cap-and-trade) could have on Texas’ economy—resulting in job losses, rising energy prices, and reversed economic growth.
June 24, 2009
Energy & Environment 81st Legislative Session in Review By Kathleen Hartnett White
A review of the 81st Texas Legislature’s work on air quality, governance, and water rights in Texas.
Ozone 2009-2010 Legislators' Guide to the Issues By Kathleen Hartnett White
Ozone levels have long challenged Texas’ two largest urban areas—Houston-Galveston-Brasoria (HGB) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)—although continuous, dramatic improvement has occurred in the last 10 years. Unlike many states, Texas has aggressively regulated industrial sources of ozone and federal engine standards coming online in the next few years will continue to lower mobile emissions without onerous, costly state regulation.
Texas' growing economy requires a growing supply of energy. This testimony examines how we can meet future energy demands while addressing federal clean air regulations and concerns about global warming.
Steady advances in technology are decoupling fossil-fuel energy and air pollution. In fact, air pollution continues to reach new record lows in Texas and the nation, even as Americans burn increasing amounts of coal, oil, and natural gas to power their homes, vehicles, businesses, and factories.
January 25, 2008
Power for the Future The Debate Over New Coal-Fired Power Plants in Texas By H. Sterling Burnett
One reason for Texas' continued economic progress is its successful deregulation of the electric industry. Continued progress, and the prosperity it brings, relies upon continued growth in available power. In the short term, only coal can deliver enough reliable, inexpensive power to meet this need.
The debate over new power plants in Texas is based on false premises. Environmentalists and their allies in the media have created the mistaken impression that building new coal-fired power plants necessarily means more air pollution. Texans deserve an energy policy based on air quality realities, rather than on environmentalists’ anti-consumer fear-mongering.
February 01, 2001
Clearing Houston An Economic Evaluation of Clean Air Act Compliance Strategy Alternatives By Professor George Tolley and Professor Barton Smith
Over the course of a year, Professor Barton Smith of the University of Houston and Professor George Tolley of the University of Chicago have been conducting a study examining the impacts of the State Implementation Plan proposed by the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission for the Houston area economy.
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