Texas state senator Kip Averitt, a Republican from Waco, has proposed a clean air bill, which calls for tighter regulations and modifications of vehicles, plants, and other air-impacting technologies. The bill is currently being considered by the House and if passed, will ultimately result in cleaner air throughout Texas.
The state of Texas is home to several large cities, which could benefit exceedingly from such a bill. Clean air has been a concern for an extended length of time and it demands attention. Areas with large populations such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio seem to suffer a great deal from pollution. However, the rural areas of Texas are not omitted. Much of Texas’s rural populations are effected by large plants, which emit a tremendous amount of pollution every second. Having lived in the panhandle for two years I am familiar with the constant smoke rising from the refineries and plants. I lived in Borger, Texas, a small town but home to several plants, including the world’s largest inland oil refinery. The air in this region of Texas is polluted in the form of carbon black and desperately needs cleaner air. I would assume the unmentioned regions of Texas have similar cases.
For the sake of the citizens and the future of Texas, our legislatures need to be seriously investigating opportunities to improve our environment. The severity of this issue is not one to simply overlook. I am grateful that Senator Averitt has taken the initiative and proposed a plan. I believe that if passed this bill has the potential to improve the health of Texans for many years to come.
