Last year I mentioned to Deborah that I was interested establishing a group of environmentally concerned Democrats to make environmental issues such as air pollution and global warming, issues that are addressed by our candidates in the up-coming election. I've been concerned about the increasing pollution that we seem to be experiencing in the DFW area and Texas in general for some time now.
Although currently not regulated as pollutants, green house gases should be on the list. After seeing several documentaries on Global Warming including the Al Gore movie. I've come to realize that this is an issue that no one can afford to ignore.
In terms of politics, I think that environmental issues will resonate with those in the younger generations who are concerned about the future and are likely to vote on their concerns. It seems to me that having a positive message of change that fires up the idealism of youth would be a good way to get young folks interested in our campaigns. As an environmentally concerned citizen I would like to suggest that committing to a sustainable energy policy and cleaning up the environment not only makes sense, but is good politics.
Well, the campaigns of 2006 are over and the Texas Legislature is back in session. With the governor's executive order fast tracking the permitting of coal-fired power plants in place, and power companies in a rush to get their dirty coal-fired plates permitted before Congress tightens regulations on polluters, there are a lot of issues on the table down in Austin. The good, the bad, and the ugly. For better or worse, this session could have a big impact on the future of Texas.
Deborah suggested that a newsletter would be a good way to keep people up to speed on the issues. I must say that I'm not much of a writer. And, I'm usually the last person to find out whats going on. But as a member of the Dallas Sierra club, I've been lobbying for the environment and working on the Texas cool cities campaign to get local mayors to sign on to the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. I'm plugged into a few of the environmental email lists here in Texas. So I'll try to pass on what I can, time permitting. Perhaps this will turn into a multi-contributor newsletter.
--- Bob FusinatoAdvocates for the environmental here in Texas are celebrating the cancellation of eight proposed TXU coal plants as a victory that resulted from the unprecedented coalition that mobilized vigorous opposition to the plants, however, this is only a partial victory in that TXU apparently is still planning to pursue three coal-fired power plants in Texas (ones using dirty lignite coal) and that other utility companies are planning to pursue at least eight or more other coal (and/or petroleum coke) burning power plants in Texas Sierra Club Celebrates Cancellation of Eight TXU Coal Plants
Furthermore in an email dated March 12, 2007, Rita Beving Griggs, co-chair of the Dallas Sierra Club Conservation Committee states that
"TXU has only asked for a "stay" on the permits. They have not, I repeat, have NOT WITHDRAWN these permits under any circumstances ..."
"TXU's new owner Texas Pacific's Fred Golz, under oath, in front of the State House Regulated Industries Committee on 2/27 acknowledged that they would NOT COMMIT to not apply or reapply for any/all coal permits within the next 5 years of the minimum ownership period they claim they would have of TXU ..."
"Now TXU is controlling the media message, is trying to deter any legislation which would affect them from being passed with this announcement, has taken the wind out of the power of the coalitions. And is poised within 6 months or less when the deal is final, to gin up these permits as a private company without any transparency as a public-traded company."
The Stop the Coal Rush rally [ photos ] was about gaining time to fix the permitting process to allow citizens affected by proposed power plant construction would have a realistic opportunity to have their concerns come under consideration, to make sure that the cumulative impact of polluting sources is considered, and to ensure that the right of a single company or industry to make a profit doesn't override public health, safety or environmental issues. Because of the TXU buy-out, and the result of environmental litigation, we have a short respite. There are two identical bills relating to a two year moratorium on authorizations for certain coal-fired electric generating facilities, SB 860. by Ellis and HB 2320 by Gallego.
But the issues remain. - Since corporations are obligated to generate profits for their investors, their decisions are not always the best interests of society as a whole. So we need to put regulations in place that will ensure that those profits are not at the expense of public health and safety See the short Fact Sheet from the Dallas Sierra Club on what the coal fired power plants mean to us in DFW and the Stop the Coal Plants website for more information on what's next.
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If you have the time, check out these video clips from the Texas State Legislature Online website. The first one is a reality check on what the buyout is likely to mean for TXU customers. The second is an assessment of where we stand and what's next.
Is the buyout a good deal for rate payers?
Rep Turner Press Conference on TXU buyout 2/27/2007 (.ram)
What happens next?
Texas Environmental Press Conference sponsored by Rep Nashtat
03/02/2007 (.ram)
Note: Your computer must have a sound card. You also need to download and install RealPlayer before viewing the clips.
In the second video Ken Kramer, Director of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, says that in 25 years of lobbying for the environment in Austin, he has never seen as much legislation providing positive alternatives to polluting energy sources. These address both the demand side and supply side of the equation.
More Efficient Buildings and Better Enforcement of Building Codes
More Efficient Appliances
More Efficient Utilities
More Renewable Energy Including Solar Power
Better Controls on Market Power, Retail Pricing, and Utilities Oversight
See the Dallas Sierra Club Cheaper,Cleaner, Cooler page for a list of environmental legislation to watch.
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