Anderson’s Coal Moratorium Legislation On The Move

[Press Release from State Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson (R-McLennan County)]

HCR 43 by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson has been referred to the House Committee on Environmental Regulation, the first step toward passage.  The resolution calls on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to impose a six month moratorium on the issuing of permits for pulverized coal plants–nine of which are within a 50 mile radius of McLennan County.  Representative Anderson immediately asked for a public hearing on the resolution.

“This is a very critical issue for the health and economic vitality of Central Texans,” Rep. Anderson said, “and public awareness of pollution issues is at an all-time high.”  Anderson continued, “The release last week of a University of Texas study which projects that the new pulverized coal plants could move Central Texas into ‘non-attainment’ status based on federal air quality standards validates what we have been saying all along.  The independent study gives an even greater impetus to the need for a moratorium, so that the cumulative effect of these 18 new plants can be thoroughly evaluated.  We don’t want to rush into anything that could put the health of millions of Texans at risk.”

The resolution has found bipartisan support, as both Republicans and Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors.  “Clean air and good health are not partisan issues,” Anderson said.  This is not about moving left or right on this issue.  It’s about moving forward or backward technologically.  I am pleased that the resolution is gaining momentum, and I look forward to input from concerned citizens at the public hearing.”

The date for the public hearing has not been set, but the time and date will be announced as soon as it is available.