Summary

Modifies the health and safety code to require monitoring and controlling emissions of air contaminants from "major source" emission sites

Background

This bill attempts to address historical air quality problems in Texas and the Houston Ship Channel.

The New Standard reports:

A 2005 University of Texas study that included 102 Port Arthur residents found that approximately 85 percent reported ear, nose and throat ailments, and 75 percent reported respiratory problems. A state-sponsored study published in July that investigated Nueces County, where Corpus Christi is located, revealed that local babies were about 85 percent more likely to be born with birth defects, including heart abnormalities, compared to the rest of the state.

Additional Links

Academic Study: Symptoms of adverse health effects among residents from communities surrounding chemical-industrial complexes in southeast Texas