Texas Legislators Set State on Path toward More Pollution, Less Public Health Protection

(AUSTIN – April 30, 2015) Texas lawmakers voted today to advance two bills that will alter the course of Texas’ environmental and public health protections: House Bill (HB) 40, sponsored by Representative Drew Darby (R-San Angelo), and HB 1736, sponsored by Representative Jason Villalba (R-Dallas). These bills each place undue burden on Texans’ health by stripping away local protections from polluters or encouraging cities from relying on clean, non-polluting energy resources.  

“Cities, counties, groundwater districts, and many others have been vocal about their concerns with HB 40, a deeply flawed bill that will gut traditional authority to regulate oil and gas activity. The bill puts Texas communities in harm’s way, and based on testimony at today’s senate committee hearing, it’s clear many of the lawmakers are confused about the bill’s impact. It is extremely unfortunate that members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee chose to ignore the concerns of their constituents, and voted to advance this dangerous legislation.” 

• Scott Anderson, Senior Policy Director, US Climate and Energy Program

“Energy efficiency is Texas’ best, most cost-effective means of lowering electricity bills for residents and businesses, yet Representative Villalba’s bill undermines the very goals Texas set forth years ago to accomplish this. If this bill passes, it will represent a missed opportunity for the state to strengthen, not remove, the minimum efficiency standards that protect against needlessly high bills.”

• Jim Marston, Director, EDF’s Texas Office