Texas' Pollution Problem: Impact And Solutions

Texas is known for its blue skies and bright summers, but the air quality is often poor, with around 30 million people exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution. The state's air quality is affected by emissions from vehicles and industrial sources, which can cause ground-level ozone and particulate matter – two of the most significant contributors to air pollution in Texas.

Texas's industrial facilities have been found to emit millions of pounds of unauthorised toxic air pollution each year, with companies rarely facing penalties for exceeding permitted limits. The state's waterways are also affected by industrial waste, with Texas ranking first in the US for toxic discharges into streams, rivers, and lakes.

This text will explore the impact of pollution on Texas's environment and the measures being taken to address this issue.

Texas' air pollution

Texas, the second-largest state in the US by population, is facing significant air pollution issues. With almost 30 million residents and a substantial number of factories and vehicles, the state's air quality is suffering.

A study in El Paso found that air particles, gas fumes from vehicles, and industrial air pollutants had reached concerning levels. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone were also detected. These pollutants can have serious health impacts, including exacerbating asthma and causing respiratory issues and, in some cases, cancer.

Unauthorized air pollution is a pressing issue in Texas. In 2017, 275 companies reported emitting 63 million pounds of hazardous pollutants, a 27% increase from 2016. This was attributed partly to an oil boom in West Texas and Hurricane Harvey. Texas industries reported a decrease in illegal emissions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 economic downturn, but this trend is expected to reverse without stricter penalties and regulations.

The state's natural gas plants, particularly in West Texas, release millions of pounds of toxic sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide annually. Additionally, industrial facilities in Houston, Texas, emitted over 23 million pounds of unauthorized air pollutants in 2019. These excess emissions are often due to equipment malfunctions, maintenance, or start-up and shutdown procedures.

Texas has passed laws and imposed standards for certain contaminants, and wind power now accounts for 17% of the state's electric grid capacity. However, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the state's environmental regulatory agency, has been criticized for rarely penalizing companies for violations.

Smog, caused by vehicle and industrial emissions reacting with high temperatures, is a significant issue in Texas. In 2022, Texas experienced its worst summer air quality in a decade, with ground-level ozone irritating and inflaming lungs, making them more susceptible to infections and respiratory issues. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

To improve air quality, Texas must address unauthorized emissions, strengthen regulations, and enforce penalties for violations. Additionally, transitioning to alternative energy sources and reducing vehicle emissions can help mitigate the impact of air pollution on the health of Texans and the environment.

Water pollution

The primary source of water pollution in Texas is industrial waste. The state's lax regulatory environment makes it easy for companies to obtain permits for discharging wastewater, and the penalties for violating pollution laws are often lower than the cost savings of flouting them. As a result, Texas has become the nation's biggest emitter of toxic substances into streams, rivers, and lakes. This industrial waste contains a range of harmful substances, including nitrate compounds, heavy metals such as lead, solvents, and persistent bioaccumulative toxins like mercury and dioxin. These toxins have been detected in drinking water and breast milk, posing risks to human health and the environment.

One notable example of industrial water pollution in Texas is the Pilgrim's Pride chicken-processing plant in Mount Pleasant. In 2012, this facility dumped 2.8 million pounds of toxic chemicals, mainly nitrates, into the Tankersley River. Nitrates can cause infant health issues and create oxygen-depleted "dead zones" in waterways. Another major polluter is the Dow Chemical Company plant in Freeport, which released 3 pounds of dioxin into the Brazos River and the Gulf of Mexico in 2012. Dioxin is an extremely toxic chemical linked to reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage, and cancer.

While there have been some efforts to address water pollution, such as the Clean Water Act, Texas still has a long way to go. Upgrading water infrastructure and adopting green infrastructure standards are crucial steps toward reducing sewage overflows and cutting industrial wastewater pollution.

Climate change impact

Texas is the second-largest US state by area and population, with an estimated population of 30 million people in 2020. The state's climate change impacts are expected to be significant and far-reaching.

A study by Texas A&M University predicts that Texas will experience warmer weather, more wildfires, increased urban flooding, and more intense hurricanes through 2036 due to climate change. The number of days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit is projected to nearly double by 2036, while extreme cold will become less frequent and less severe.

The state's Gulf Coast is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels. The risk of hurricane storm surges in places like Galveston and Rockport may double by 2050 compared to the turn of the 19th century. The intensity of hurricanes is also expected to increase, causing more severe damage to coastal areas.

Texas has already experienced the impacts of climate change in recent years. In 2019, the state was affected by Tropical Storm Imelda, which caused significant flooding in Southeast Texas. The same year, a toxic algae bloom spread in Texas waterways, posing respiratory problems and releasing toxins harmful to humans and marine life.

Climate change will also drive up energy use in Texas. The state has seen a significant increase in energy consumption during hot weather, and with the expected population growth, more homes will need cooling in the coming decades.

To mitigate these impacts, Texas needs to improve its climate preparedness and resilience. While some cities in Texas have pursued climate action plans, state-level efforts have been limited due to the politically divisive nature of the issue.

Health consequences

Air pollution in Texas has a range of health consequences for its residents, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The pollutants in the air, such as ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, benzene, and nitrogen dioxide, can have a detrimental impact on human health.

Ozone, a component of smog, irritates and inflames the lungs, making them more susceptible to infections. It can worsen lung diseases, trigger asthma attacks, and cause or aggravate chronic bronchitis. Additionally, ozone can contribute to the development of asthma and other lung conditions, even in those without pre-existing conditions. The ground-level ozone in Texas has been deemed unhealthy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on multiple occasions, with 43 days recorded in 2022 as of July 12.

Particulate matter, which includes small particles and liquid droplets, can also have significant health impacts. These particles can be made up of acids, organic chemicals, metal, dust, or soil, and their size directly relates to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, leading to decreased lung function, increased respiratory symptoms, irregular heartbeat, and even premature death in individuals with heart or lung disease.

The presence of toxic substances in Texas's waterways also poses health risks. Nitrate compounds, heavy metals such as lead, solvents, and persistent bioaccumulative toxics like mercury and dioxin have been found in the state's streams, rivers, and lakes. These substances can make their way into drinking water and breast milk, potentially impacting human health, especially in children.

The health consequences of air and water pollution in Texas are far-reaching and affect a significant portion of the state's population. The high levels of pollution can disproportionately harm minority communities, as evidenced by a 2017 Rice University study that found a higher asthma diagnosis rate among Black children in Houston compared to other racial groups.

To protect the health of Texans, especially vulnerable populations, it is crucial to address the sources of pollution and enforce stricter regulations to reduce emissions and improve air and water quality.

Regulatory response

The State of Texas has passed laws and imposed standards for certain contaminants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state's environmental regulatory agency, responsible for monitoring and enforcing air quality standards.

TCEQ has implemented the Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA) and other regulations to control air pollution. For example, the TCAA defines the terms and standards for various sources of air pollution, including new and modified facilities, volatile organic compounds, and flexible permits. TCEQ also approves and issues permits for new construction or modifications to existing facilities, which are subject to specific definitions and requirements.

However, TCEQ has been criticised for rarely finding companies at fault for air pollution and handing down penalties that are far below what the law allows. There is an "affirmative defence" policy that exempts polluters from paying penalties if they meet certain criteria, which has been attributed to companies only facing financial penalties about 3% of the time for excess emissions.

In response to criticism, TCEQ spokesperson Andrea Morrow stated that the agency "vigorously defends its enforcement process" but does not comment on the reports of other groups.

To address unauthorised emissions, Texas lawmakers have been recommended to eliminate the affirmative defence provision. The Environmental Protection Agency directed TCEQ to take action, but they refused, and the issue is now in the courts.

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