Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has urged the Texas environmental agency to suspend approvals for new concrete plant permits until legislative input in 2025.
Alejandra Martinez reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed concerns about a controversial cement plant proposed in North Texas, prompting him to request a halt on all new cement plant permits in the state.
- Patrick's intervention followed a visit to Sherman, where he heard from residents worried about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the proposed plant.
- Despite the state agency's finding of no significant air quality risks, community trust remains low, with fears of negative effects on local businesses and the broader economy.
Key quote:
"I appreciate that TCEQ has a difficult job. You have a formula, and you follow it. However, as Lt. Governor, I must look at the bigger picture of what is best for our communities."
— Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor of Texas
Why this matters:
Reducing cement production has become a focal point in the global dialogue on health and environmental sustainability. Cement, the key ingredient in concrete, is ubiquitous in our modern infrastructure, from buildings to roads, bridges to dams. However, its production comes with significant health and environmental costs. For example, one of the primary pollutants emitted by cement plants is particulate matter, which consists of tiny particles suspended in the air. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled, leading to respiratory issues such as asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Be sure to read EHN’s 2017 piece: The building and construction sector is booming—and it's costing the planet.
