Negative aspects far outweigh the possible benefits
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Dear Editor,
The New EPA air quality for Texas have been prepared but not yet adopted by the EPA or TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Equality). Recently there have been hearings across the state discussing the new areas included. Based on these new maps, it looks like 72 percent of the Texas population currently lives in nonattainment zones; jeopardizing their health (a nonattainment area is one which does not meet Federal Clean Air standards). Apparently TCEQ has not done a very good job of protecting Texas air quality and our health.
Matagorda County has been included in the Houston/Galveston nonattainment area in some of these new maps. The County may not meet the criteria but the EPA believes we are very close. It is possible to not be included by requesting certain air monitoring of the county for more accurate and reliable data. There was no monitoring or testing conducted to base the inclusion of Matagorda County. We are merely “guilty by association.”
If the EPA believes we are on the edge of being nonattainment, then a White Stallion coal plant will most likely push the county into nonattainment, as this coal plant will be by far the largest polluter in the county.
Nonattainment affects the health of everyone who breathes the air, especially children. There may be days where you stay inside because of a hazardous ozone level. This also carries a huge economic burden for the county and citizens. Vehicles will be required to have annual emission inspections, there will be ewer federal funds for highways construction, restaurant, bakeries and body shops will be required to modify their venting process, gas pumps will be required to have the special nozzles to prevent fumes from escaping, plants and refineries will have additional pollution controls required.
Is Matagorda County ready to have a dirty coal plant push us into nonattainment? We already know of the possible environmental pollution to the air, groundwater and Bay, as well as the increased train traffic through Bay City and barge traffic in the river. We’ve heard about the real risk of the sale of this coal plant air permit to a tax-exempt entity resulting in no tax revenue for the county. Another tax concern is that White Stallion will more than likely apply for tax exemption from TCEQ for the pollution control devices it is incorporating, which would probably exempt 50 to 60 percent of the property tax value of the plant. Additionally, being classified as “nonattainment” could prevent other cleaner industries from locating here.
It seems the negative aspects of this proposed plant far outweigh the possible benefits. If you agree don’t sit on your hands. Please contact your county and state leaders now to let them know.
Sincerely, Raul Bustillo, Bay City