A Travis County judge nullified a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) decision that earlier had granted an air pollution permit for an oil terminal expansion. A recent investigation determined that TCEQ has consistently invoked the “one-mile rule” to deny permit hearings for at least the past 13 years, even though no such rule exists in either Texas law or TCEQ rules. Key quote:"In 35 years I don’t think I have ever had a case like this where the air permit was remanded back." — Diane Wilson, Head of San Antonio Bay Estuarine WaterkeeperWhy this matters:This ruling challenges regulatory practices affecting environmental health, spotlighting the impact of industrial projects on local communities and ecosystems. It represents a broader struggle for rigorous environmental oversight and public health protection.

Source: Washington Post December 11, 2023 12:36 UTC