Essay On Air Pollution In Houston

Air Pollution in Houston Texas City of Houston air pollution levels to be unacceptable effecting the Houston residents and the general public. Air pollution in the City of Houston is caused by many sources including vehicle emissions from buses, trucks, and cars; With toxic pollutants coming from the 400 plus chemical facilities some being the largest in the U.S; 2 these include surface coating processes, dry cleaners, gas stations, printing processes, restaurants, charcoal barbecues, and gasoline-fueled lawn maintenance equipment. The city has made great strides over the past few years and is no longer in the running as the worst city with pollution issues, However, the City of Houston still has a long way to go. The City of Houston along with the State of Texas will need to ensure the safety of its residents

The Clean Air report released by the Texas Public Interest Research Group states that “6,915 asthma attacks, 334 non-fatal heart attacks, and 203 premature deaths each year in Houston” This report was over coal-fired energy plants only, one could only imagine the impact the chemical facilities have on the residents of Houston and surrounding towns. Since 1972 Houston has failed to meet the minimum standards set forth by the EPA. This alone shows how little power the EPA really has and that federal and state standards should become laws, to force the facilities to comply or shut down. Shutting down would be devastating financially and cost hundreds of jobs and millions in lost revenue. That is nothing anyone wants; however, we must stand up against the companies and protect the residents surrounding these plants. Programs like the “Clean Power Plant” which would reduce CO2 admissions by 32% by 2030 are great starts in reducing the overall impact these plants have on our environment and air quality. The state of Texas has over 1500 plants regulated by the