Streamlined permitting threatens the public’s voice

The Trump administration recently pledged to “streamline” permitting for “minor” sources of air pollution. The move would eliminate the public’s voice in deciding who gets to pollute. Many critics see this as a move that will benefit certain polluting industries.

Don’t let the term “minor” fool you. While these permits are issued to, for example, your neighborhood dry cleaner, they can also apply to much more hazardous facilities, including concrete batch plants and even the gas-burning power plants that power data centers.

What could happen across the country if this so-called “streamlining” is implemented is already happening in Texas.

The Clean Air Act is one of the greatest public health success stories in modern history. During the 30 years beginning in 1990, the act provided $2 trillion in public health benefits for an investment of just $65 billion, a return of more than 30 times the investment. 

A hallmark feature of the Clean Air Act is its delegation of authority to the states. Each state develops and implements its own plan to reduce air pollution, issues permits to pollute, and punishes violators of pollution laws.

In business-friendly Texas, state leaders have done the bare minimum, maintaining environmental regulations at the federal floor. In recent years, federal leaders looking to undermine existing environmental laws and regulations have even looked to Texas for guidance. Because Texas regulators work hand in glove with the very industries they are supposed to regulate, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is quick to offer solutions that make life easier for polluters.

The results speak for themselves. Texas has elevated rates of certain cancers, builds concrete plants next to hospitals and schools, and welcomes data centers in communities that are running out of........

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