SAN ANTONIO – The 89th Texas Legislature opens next Tuesday.
Thousands of bills are expected to be introduced, including some focused on the state’s environmental issues.
Protecting Texas’ resources and residents is the goal of the nonprofit Environment Texas.
Luke Metzger, executive director of the Texas Department of Environmental Protection, highlighted three priorities for lawmakers to address during the session.
Investing in clean energy
“In order not to harm or throw a wrench into the business of the clean energy boom that Texas is experiencing and which has brought tremendous benefits in terms of air quality, lower electricity bills, and improved grid reliability, We need Congress,” Metzger said. .
Metzger also talked about pushing for legislation to ease the permitting process for Texans to access battery and solar power, especially in vulnerable areas where power outages are common.
Reduce plastic pollution in Texas
“We really need Congress to stop plastic companies from dumping and spilling pellets that are extremely harmful to our oceans, beaches, and our own health,” Metzger said.
He explained that plastic has a negative impact on wildlife and can end up on our plates through seafood sourced from Texas waters.
Dealing with toxic “forever” chemicals
“Here in Texas, these chemicals often make their way into the sewage. Then the wastewater treatment plants take out the solid portion of the sewage, the biosolids, and sell them to farmers for use as fertilizer.” Metzger said. “And unfortunately, we find that these biosolids are often contaminated.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has shown that these chemicals, known as “forever” chemicals, can enter Texas soils and food supplies and cause cancer and other health concerns. Livestock may also be affected.
One proposed bill would require wastewater treatment plants to test for contamination with these chemicals.
Metzger is optimistic about bipartisan support for these issues.
“We all breathe air, we all drink water, we all worry about our health, we all worry about our children,” Metzger said. “So I think we have a good chance of passing some of these bills.”
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