On December 10th, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) commissioners hosted recently appointed EPA Region 6 Administrator Dr. Alfredo “Al” Armendariz at the commission headquarters in Austin. The purpose of the visit was not only to welcome the new administrator to his new position but also to discuss the various rules regarding Texas’ successful air program. During the December 9th Commissioners Meeting, commissioners approved for publication a new rule package seeking to expand public participation in the state’s air permit process. The proposed new and amended rules will be published in the January 15, 2010 edition of the Texas Register.
“Texas’ air quality permitting program is already one of the most robust in the nation,” said Chairman Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D. “The TCEQ has taken proactive, aggressive measures to improve air quality in Texas. Air emissions and pollution concentrations in our state are at their lowest level in the past 20 years, while Texas continues to maintain a strong, growing economy.”
“I have always viewed public participation as a vital component in the permitting process,” said Commissioner Buddy Garcia. “I appreciate Dr. Armendariz spending time with each of us today, and I look forward to working with him to show the rest of the nation how Texas has been successful and will continue to lead on environmental issues.”
“Texas already has a meaningful and engaging public participation process that directly impacts permits and provides significant environmental safeguards,” said Commissioner Carlos Rubinstein. “I welcome the rule changes that will provide even greater public participation and transparency.”
A public hearing to accept comment on the proposed rule revisions will take place January 25, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in Building E, Room 201 S, at the TCEQ campus, 12100 Park 35 Circle, in Austin. The comment period will end on February 16, 2010.
