Texas sues EPA to save state air permitting program

[SpartanDem]

Source: AHN

Texas has started a legal battle with the Obama administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an effort to retain control over its statewide air permitting program aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

The EPA has reversed its position on allowing Texas to oversee it's own licensing and regulation under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program (PSD) of the federal Clean Air Act. Now, officials in Austin are suing to retake their authority.

At issue is how Texas will regulate greenhouse gasses, commonly cited as an unwanted air pollutant and a factor in global warming.

Currently, Texas law does not deem greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide to be pollutants, according to the Attorney General's office. As a result, the EPA moved to take over elements of Texas' air regulation, effective January 2, 2011. Now, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has taken the issue to court




Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/briefs/articles/90029416?Texas%20sues%20EPA%20to%20save%20state%20air%20permitting%20program#ixzz19vHatYlh

[napi21]

1. If you've ever been to Houston, you'd know hy they shouldn't

ever have state control of polution!

[snappyturtle]

7. It is bad there.....wasn't AS bad before the state got control but

now...(I moved out of Texas in June '10).

[MrsBrady]

2. i've developed asthma in the last few years.

never had a problem in all my life.

i'm ready for some EPA regulation

[Avalux]

3. Part of the secession plan.

Texas thinks it can be it's own little autonomous country and can do whatever it wants. I've always hated that they make the kids say a pledge to the Texas flag in public schools. The arrogance is unparalleled.

[DuckBurp]

5. I agree. I told my kids they didn't have to pledge to the texas flag.

When my son didn't say the pledge, he got in trouble at school. Momma said for him to go ahead and say it to keep out of trouble.

[northoftheborder]

4. I hope EPA does not back down. I'm ashamed to be a Texan at times.

[nyy1998]

6. +1

[DemoTex]

8. I remember the last of clear night skies in Dallas (pre-Bu$h).

The air got dirty shortly after George W. Bu$h became Texas governor and put "voluntary" compliance into place.