Clean Air, Healthy Families Updates

Luke Metzger, director of Environment Texas, said the issue extends beyond state lines and requires national focus. “We could be doing much more to reduce emissions,” he said. “We should clean up our own mess in East Texas and work cooperatively with the federal government.” The haze, he said, has long-term effects on quality of life for community members and national park lovers. “Big Bend National Park has some of the most spectacular views in the world, but as haze floats into our national parks, it diminishes the experience,” he said. “That will reduce tourism and money for the community, so there’s a lot of far-reaching impacts.”

It may seem like something out of a movie, but hundreds of Freeport residents are being told they'll soon be tested for exposure to potentially toxic metals. State health officials say that dangerous metal like nickel and cobalt have been found in both the air and the soil in areas of Freeport. Luke Metzger with Environment Texas thinks this is indicative of a big problem. "It's a sign that the industries and the state has not been doing enough to keep pollution out of the air and water," says Metzger.

(AP)  AUSTIN, Texas — Texas environmentalists are cheering new federal standards announced Wednesday that will force coal- and oil-fired power plants to reduce mercury emissions and toxic pollutants or shut down. Power industry leaders, however, said the pricey changes could lead to layoffs and undo strain on the state's grid.

This week witnessed a tremendous public health victory. On Wednesday, the Obama administration finalized the first-ever nationwide standards for mercury and air toxic pollution from power plants, which will reduce mercury pollution from power plants by 90 percent. This standard will significantly cut emissions of toxic air pollutants that are linked to cancer, heart disease, neurological damage, birth defects, asthma attacks and even premature death.