Not everything is bigger in Texas. In fact, the number of air polluters receiving fines from Texas regulators is quite small, according to an article from the Austin American-Statesman. Citing a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project and Environment Texas, the Statesman notes that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality declined to assess financial penalties for 97% of more than 24,000 air pollution violations that companies admitted to between 2011 and 2016.
According to the article, the lack of sanctions in many cases is due to a Texas rule that gives “leeway to companies that self-report pollution incidents attributable to maintenance or accidents” and provides what environmentalists call a loophole for offenders. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reportedly says it thoroughly investigates all pollution reports.
Read the entire article here.
