From the Senator's Desk. . .
February 4, 2010
Texans want to leave a cleaner, healthier state for their children and grandchildren to enjoy. Despite this, Texas' air and water are amongst some of the dirtiest in the nation. Texas is first in the nation in air pollution emissions, the amount of cancer-causing carcinogens released into the air, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. It's second in the amount of hazardous waste generated and seventh in the amount of carcinogens released into the water. We have a governor and environmental agency that prides itself in opposing increased air standards that would save both lives and money.
Grover's Tub: Where Tax Cuts are King
February 4, 2010
Here in Texas, tax cuts are king. Over the last few sessions, reforms to school finance focused on reducing property taxes—not better funding for public schools. In the end, school property tax rates were cut by 33 percent, the revenue base shifted to more regressive consumption taxes, and all new revenue was dedicated to more tax cuts—not schools. Now, built into the upcoming budget is a structural deficit of $5.8 billion by 2010-11.
“Dead, Flat, Broke”
February 4, 2010
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is dead, flat broke. By 2012, TxDOT will have no money for new roads. Zero. What’s worse is that TXDOT is now robbing Peter to pay Paul. Last month, commissioners diverted maintenance money to new roads to cover accounts for 2010. In other words, TXDOT is now diverting from TXDOT.
A Toxic Century: Mining Giant Must Clean Up Mess
February 4, 2010
In December, the Justice Department announced a settlement in one of the largest environmental bankruptcies in U.S. history.
The American Smelting and Refining Company, known as Asarco, will pay a record $1.79 billion to settle claims for hazardous waste pollution at 80 sites in as many as 20 states.
Cleanup will begin this year on one of Asarco's most notorious properties — the copper smelter in El Paso, Texas.