Transcript: August 3, 2007 (interactive only)
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Robert M.
El Paso
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When will TCEQ decide on the Asarco permit? I heard it might be some time in September. |
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Senator Eliot Shapleigh
El Paso, Texas
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Asarco's permit will put 7,000 tons of pollutants in El Paso's air every year. This costs us in health and the environment, but it also costs us in jobs. When San Antonio got the Toyota plant, Toyota said they came because of clean air. Right now, TCEQ has not scheduled the Asarco permit for a decision on their agenda. But we will keep you posted through our website and eNews. |
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Gilbert
El Paso
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What have you done to address flooding in El Paso? |
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Senator Eliot Shapleigh
El Paso, Texas
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We worked to pass key bills to address flooding in El Paso in the last session. While there is more work to be done for a long-term solution, these bills move us in the right direction: passed, S.B. 688 to assist the city with creating storm water districts, which manage and control storm water drainage; filed S.B. 1588 and amended its provisions into S.B. 3 to ensure that counties adopt regulations for flood plain management that are not less stringent than those set forth by the National Flood Insurance Program, and provide for the imposition of penalties on landowners that are in violation of such measures; passed S.B. 1762 which requires the Texas Water Development Board, in coordination with the Far West Texas Water Planning Group, to conduct a study on the impact of climate change on surface water. The bill also requires the board to submit a written report regarding its findings to the legislature. |
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Sylvia Garcia
El Paso
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Senator Shapleigh, thank you for the articles on MHMR. I also read in the Dallas Morning News about abuse and neglect at these schools for the mentally retarded. What are we doing about this? |
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Senator Eliot Shapleigh
El Paso, Texas
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At least since 2003, MHMR services have been severely underfunded in Texas. In the last session, we got $48.8 million more for DADS, the agency that operates these schools. With these funds, the state schools will add more staff and improve services. Of course, we continue to look for ways to improve and protect our most vulnerable citizens. I invite you to read my "Letter to Mary" in this week's eNews for more. |
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