HGB 2008 Ozone NAAQS Severe AD SIP Revision - Rule Project Number-2023-110-SIP-NR

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Comment From: Lucy Randel

1/17/24 @ 12:44 AM
I am commenting as a citizen with a technical background in chemical engineering who has previously participated in TCEQ flare task force stakeholder groups. I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Bra...↓
In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.
Chapter 3 of APPENDIX B Conceptual Model for the Houston-Galveston -Brazoria Nonattainment Area for the 2008 Eight-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard discusses ozone precursor concentrations and trends. HRVOCs are a driving force in ozone formation and are mainly emitted by large industrial point source facilities. Ozone nonattainment days are often correlated with emission events that emit large quantities of HRVOCs. Examples include emergency flaring and plant shutdowns for maintenance, which also often involve flaring. Turnaround operations planning to minimize flaring can be used to reduce HRVOC and other VOC emissions. Further, flare operations should be monitored to prevent over-steaming which reduces combustion efficiency. Flare minimization plans should be required of facilities within the nonattainment area. Scheduling of major maintenance during cooler seasons should also be encouraged as an additional tool to reduce ozone formation.
The TCEQ 2010 Flare Study Final Report discusses steam assist issues with flares. The 2007 study The effect of variability in industrial emissions on ozone formation in Houston, Texas discusses the nature of HRVOC emissions from industrial sources in the HGB area. Both are attached.

I appreciate your consideration of additional methods to reduce ozone formation.
Attachments:
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Comment From: Vicky Martin

1/17/24 @ 12:42 AM
Last year, thanks to the over 200 community members and allies that sent in comments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stepped in and downgraded the Houston region to 'severe nonattainment' of the federal health-based ozone standards in...↓
Thank you for your consideration.
Now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is required to create a State Implementation Plan (SIP) detailing how it will improve ozone air quality in our region and bring the Houston area back into attainment with the Clean Air Act.
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Comment From: Erica Hubbard

1/16/24 @ 11:07 PM
Attachments:

Comment From: Lauren Salomon

1/16/24 @ 10:54 PM
As a lifelong Houstonian and asthmatic, I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Sta...↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Theresa Blackwood

1/16/24 @ 10:26 PM
How is it that the agency charged with ensuring our health and safety does not have platforms to more easily UNDERSTAND and comment about environmental laws, ozone, chemicals or processes they approve and oversee? TXDOT's Environmental group's posted...↓

How is it that there has been no update posted on the HBG ozone issues since the HBG January 4th meeting?

How is it that the State Ozone Designation Recommendation webpage does not have anything posted for the HBG area since June 4, 2018?

How is it that there is a posted TCEQ Interoffice Memo dated November 13, 2023 that acknowledges, per EPA's 1997 eight-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), HBG was already deemed 'severe'; but nothing posted about any remedies?

How is it that there is 771 pages of proposed amendments to the Texas Administrative Code posted on the TCEQ site; but a spreadsheet that outlines the Federal Clean Air Act and the 1997 eight-hour ozone NAAQS; the 2008 eight-hour ozone NAAQS; and 2015 eight-hour ozone requirements COMPARED TO THE APPROVED HBG REQUIREMENTS could not be found?

How is it that information and processes with strict response timelines are published in newspapers, but not publicized in forums the public accesses – including the TCEQ website? The public should not DISCOVER their voice is welcomed; however, THE PROCESS OF MAKING PUBLIC COMMENTS TO LAWS, APPLICATIONS, PERMITS, ETC. SHOULD BE OVERLY PUBLICIZED & PROMOTED!

While TCEQ is to grant and enforce permits for responsible companies and industries; they are CHARGED WITH PROTECTING THE HEALTH & SAFETY OF TEXAS' CITIZENS FIRST! With this said, it seems logical that TCEQ could maintain a user-friendly interface for the public to review and understand applied for, secured and denied permits; current and proposed environmental laws; and confirm SIGNIFICANT FINES ARE ENFORCED WHEN COMPANIES VIOLATE PERMITTED ACTIVITIES.
Attachments:

Comment From: Terence Thorn

1/16/24 @ 9:58 PM
Houston has been out of compliance with federal Ozone standards under the Clean Air Act for more than a decade. Our Ozone levels are largely the product of emissions by vehicles as well as large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and pet...↓
You don't have to look far to see the environmental and health impact of these emissions. A 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income.
While large cities tend to have relatively high levels of ozone, Houston's problems are exacerbated by our climate where heat and sunlight contribute to the presence of ozone. This problem will only get worse. The summer of 2023 brought unparalleled stretches of triple-digit temperatures throughout the southern Texas, and we saw a record stretch of 44 consecutive days at or over 100 degrees in June and July, smashing the previous record of 23 consecutive days set in 1994. While the record-setting conditions in 2023 were driven in part by a unique set of factors, each of the past eight years have already among the eight warmest ever observed. Our environmental problems will accumulate and will be more complex. Historic efforts to reduce air pollution won't succeed simply because the future will not be like our past.
I am old enough to remember the passage of the 1970 Clean Air Act Amendments which have resulted in a steady in reduction in air pollution across the U.S. It was a deliberate response aimed at correcting the demonstrated failures of previous regulatory efforts and targeted the heavy, noxious smog you could feel when you walked outside back then. Particulate emissions contributed to what my father called "a two shirt day"- the first shirt's collar was so stained by dirt you had to change it to go out in the evening. In my lifetime the CAA remains one of the country's greatest environmental successes.
Sadly, while our air and water are cleaner, some things have not changed, and we hear the same arguments against better regulations to control air pollution. In 1970, opponents of more stringent regulations said the Clean Air Act Amendments would impose undue burdens on the cities and that environmental protection and economic growth were not compatible. Some even said pollution was the inevitable price of progress. Here in Houston today the mantra from polluters is "do you want a job or clean air?" It is time to shelve this rhetoric.
Addressing our air pollution will require a multi-faceted approach that involves a combination of regulatory measures, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns. The severity and complexity of the problem means that both governmental and non-governmental parties need to play a role and the TCEQ needs to step up and help drive this effort by revising:
1) The TCEQ needs to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act.
This could include industry-specific regulations such as flaring restrictions and fuel quality standards for cleaner gasoline and diesel all of which can lead to significant reductions in vehicle emissions.

The Houston area needs more than small, incremental changes and "business as usual" measures to bring down ozone levels once and for all.

2) The TCEQ's greatest failure is not following through with oversight and enforcement. There must be more focus on enforcement and an increase in penalties for repeat violators.
3) We need stronger requirements in the SIP that would end unauthorized and uncontrolled industrial flaring industrial flaring.
4) Houston has been awarded billions of dollars in federal funding and private investment to help develop hydrogen technology seen as critical to reducing the country's greenhouse gas emissions. This effort with its incredible challenges will be managed by a partnership of industry, academic and supporting organizations. It is inconceivable that a similar effort can't be put together to focus on our air pollution problems.
Working with the TCEQ, such an effort would examine and help develop not-yet-available, cutting-edge, technologies and innovative ideas, with associated ranges of potential emissions reductions.
Striking developments since the 1970 amendments have been the explosion of knowledge about the nature of air pollution, and the advanced new technologies available to control that pollution. Houston's growing reliance on advanced air quality monitoring systems is a testament to the city's commitment to addressing its environmental challenges.
5) There exists a systemic problem with emissions permitting as illustrated by the recent controversy over a Pasadena tank farm. The process of evaluating pollution permit applications must include greater community outreach and education on how the process works and how residents can better participate in the permitting process.
An investigation by ICN and the Texas Tribune based on hundreds of pages of government and court records and dozens of interviews, revealed numerous ways in which large companies sidestep major source permitting. Ten recent cases provide a tutorial on how to do this.

There is no better example of applying yesterday's solutions to tomorrow's problems than the SIP using 1995 non-attainment new source review regulations.
A cleaner environment can drive economic growth and save much of the huge costs of healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and ecosystem damage. Strong economic growth, technological advancement and effective regulatory policies are why the environment is cleaner today than when I was a child. The improving air quality in Houston will require different approaches and new strategies that take into account the specific opportunities that exist going forward. Unfortunately, the SIP as submitted is a step backwards and needs to be revised.
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Comment From: Emily Weems

1/16/24 @ 9:33 PM
I am urging the TCEQ to implement the strictest parameters to help bring HGB area into alignment with federal air quality acts. Air quality is a public health issue and it's the responsible of this Commission to protect the public from industries tha...↓
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Comment From: Kaylee Cano

1/16/24 @ 9:01 PM
A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate po...↓
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Comment From: FRANCIS BLAKE

1/16/24 @ 8:20 PM
I have had asthma for over twenty years and required expensive medications to maintain my health. Therefore, I am very concerned about the effects of continued and worsening ozone pollution.

I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to...↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.

Francis Blake
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Comment From: Rodrigo Cantú

1/16/24 @ 7:50 PM
Attachments:

Comment From: Alexandria Elkhadem

1/16/24 @ 7:48 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

Ozone pollution in the greater Houston area is a major environmental and health problem. Similarly, the brunt of this burden is falling on communities of color and low-income residents. The TCEQ must prepare state plans that protect our city and its citizens, keeping them safe and healthy.
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Comment From: Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), Air Allianc Anonymous

1/16/24 @ 7:09 PM
Attachments:
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Comment From: Environmental Integrity Projec Anonymous

1/16/24 @ 7:08 PM
See attached pdfs of comments and three Exhibits from Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), Air Alliance Houston, Public Citizen, and Environment Texas on the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Severe Area Attainment Demonstration State Implementation Plan ...↓
Attachments:
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Comment From: Joshua Smith

1/16/24 @ 6:26 PM
Sierra Club submits the attached comments of members and supporters on the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality's ("TCEQ's") proposed attainment demonstration state implementation plan for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria ("HGB") nonattainment are...↓
Attachments:

Comment From: Jan Cherian

1/16/24 @ 6:17 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Jeff Riley

1/16/24 @ 6:17 PM
Attachments:

Comment From: Glen Van Slyke

1/16/24 @ 6:07 PM
Comments on the Proposed Houston Galveston Brazoria (HGB) Severe Classification
Attainment Demonstration (AD) SIP Revision for the 2008 Eight-Hour Ozone NAAQS ("HGB AD
SIP Revision"); Docket No. 2023-1223-SIP/Project No. 2023-110-SIP-NR


Last year, local...↓
MSA had its hottest summer on record and a record number of TCEQ-issued Ozone Action
Days. This will likely be our headline every summer going forward due to the
ongoing effects of fossil fuel-caused climate change, making ozone attainment ever more out of
reach, and making the role of ozone SIPs ever more critical to preserving human life in the Houston MSA.

I offer these comments on the proposed SIP Revision for the 2008 ozone standards:

This plan has direct implications for TCEQ permitting and compliance because there are existing "loopholes" that are not addressed by, and will ultimately undermine this plan.

1. The first is fugitive emissions. Rapid spikes in ozone that contribute to high ozone days
are often due to unauthorized and uncontrolled industrial flaring allowed by TCEQ based
on self-reported need from the polluter. The SIP strong requirements that dis-incentivize industrial flaring and add more stringent pollution controlrequirements on flare technology. This need couldn't be more timely. For example, on December 23, 2023, the TPC Group petrochemical facility flared for 8 straight hours. See photo URL:
https://abc13.com/power-outage-causes-flaring-at-se-houston-chemical-plant-/14218961/

2. Another concern for implementation is the Nonattainment NSR Program. I would not
assume, as the SIP does, that approval of non-attainment NSR regulations from 1995 are
sufficient today - three decades later. In fact, a report from Inside Climate News last month showed evidence from TCEQ that the major NSR permitting process, and, thus, the major source threshold for ozone-precursor pollutants, is regularly and routinely circumvented by large polluters. I would like to see this addressed in the SIP as well and, if necessary, through changes to the Texas Administrative Code.


3. Ozone exposure is a civil rights, health equity, and environmental justice issue.
A report published by the Environmental Integrity Project in late 2023 showed that minority
households in the Houston MSA are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations higher
than the federal standard and the least likely to have seen improvements in ozone exposure since
the standards were set in 2008. Everyone has a right to breathe clean air.
The revised SIP recognizes the health effects of ozone on sensitive groups like children
but does not acknowledge the disproportionate impact on communities of color.In light of Executive Order 14096, this is a gross oversight. The SIP address the disproportionate impact of ozone in the Houston MSA as a driving factor for the control strategies recommended AND for an enhancedfocus on the pollution sources impacting communities of color most.


4. A proposed 3% reduction is a bare minimum. In fact, we already know what our future attainment status will be since we were also re-designated further from attainment in comparison to the newer ozone NAAQS for 2015. As our understanding of air quality science improves, and the
standards for keeping communities safe from ozone consequently strengthen, we here in
Houston remain further and further away from healthy levels. The Houston area needs more than
small, incremental changes and "business as usual" measures to bring down ozone levels once
and for all.

5. This plan is myopic in its treatment of mobile emissions. It includes considerable focus
on reducing individual vehicle emissions, but no consideration is given to decisions that
incentivize dependence on single-occupancy vehicles at scale. Highway expansions create
induced demand and induced congestion both of which create more ozone-causing air pollution.
This SIP should include a climate-oriented approach to regional transportation
planning, which is already the purview of HGAC, the entity charged with ensuring emission
conformity for the SIP.

6. The public participation process for this plan has been devoid of fair notice and due process. The TCEQ released four different SIPs over the Thanksgiving holidays when members of the public are least expected to analyze and comment on these complex SIPs. Despite requests from Air Alliance Houston and other public interest groups, you refused to extend the public comment period. The comment period should be extended for a minimum of 30 days.
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Comment From: Letitia Plummer

1/16/24 @ 5:44 PM
Dear Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ),

As an At-Large Council Member representing over 2.3 million residents of Houston, I am compelled to address a critical public health and environmental justice issue facing our...↓

In accordance with the Clean Air Act and the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), I urge the TCEQ to implement the most stringent plan possible to bring the HGB area into compliance for ozone pollution. The area's significant industrial activities, notably from large plants, refineries, and chemical facilities, have led to high levels of ozone-precursor emissions, particularly VOCs and NOx. NRG's Parish coal plant and ExxonMobil's Baytown complex are among the top contributors to this critical issue.

Moreover, the increasing temperatures due to climate change exacerbates this nonattainment problem. As reported by the Sierra Club, nearly half of the Texas population is exposed to dangerous levels of ozone pollution. This situation, affecting nearly 15 million people, constitutes a dire public health crisis.

Adding to this concern, the Environmental Integrity Project's 2023 report highlights the disproportionate impact of ozone pollution on communities of color and low-income households in Houston. It reveals that these populations are more likely to be exposed to ozone levels exceeding federal standards and have seen the least improvement since these standards were established in 2008.

The continuous exposure of our residents to unsafe air quality levels is unacceptable. The TCEQ's failure to submit state plans meeting NAAQS requirements not only contravenes federal mandates but also puts the health and well-being of millions at risk. As representatives and protectors of public health, it is imperative that the Commission acts swiftly and decisively to amend the 2008 plan with the strictest regulations possible.

I urge the TCEQ to consider the gravity of this situation and the responsibilities vested in your roles. The health, safety, and environmental justice of our communities depend on your decisive actions.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. I, along with the residents of Houston, eagerly await your response and the necessary steps towards a cleaner, safer environment.

Sincerely,
Dr. Letitia Plummer, DDS
City of Houston At-Large 4 Council Member
Attachments:

Comment From: Phillip Yonekawa-Blest

1/16/24 @ 5:42 PM
Hi my name is Phillip Blest
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as req...↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

TCEQ should prioritize the good of the people and the environment vs industry.

Respectfully,
Phillip Blest
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Comment From: karina yonekawa-blest

1/16/24 @ 5:38 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

I live in a community that is heavily affected by railroad, industry and car pollution. We are a community of color and we demand better TCEQ.
Thank you for your consideration.
Karina Blest
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Comment From: MADRIENNE PETITJEAN

1/16/24 @ 5:35 PM
I have COPD and lung issues, clean air can extend my and other at risk peoples lives.
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Comment From: Neal Ehardt

1/16/24 @ 5:32 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
No attachments

Comment From: Aster Dyer

1/16/24 @ 4:37 PM
Texans demand protection from smog and other environmental hazards!
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Comment From: Jessie Casteel

1/16/24 @ 3:42 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
No attachments

Comment From: Donna Thomas

1/16/24 @ 2:24 PM
I Donna Thomas live in Houston Fort Bend County for over 30 years and have suffered from air pollution issues from all polluters including WA.Parish Coal Plant.
Upper Respiratory, Asthma, other Allergies has increased in our community and family memb...↓
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act.

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Yolanda Sukloff

1/16/24 @ 1:53 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Robert Levy

1/16/24 @ 1:42 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: James Schriver

1/16/24 @ 1:00 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.
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Comment From: ANN MAY

1/16/24 @ 12:48 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is made worse by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb).

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.
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Comment From: Diane Teter

1/16/24 @ 12:07 PM
As a biologist, I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by th...↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution.

I live in South Texas where 3 LNG export terminals/pipelines are proposed as well as the current SpaceX heavy booster rocket launch site. These new locations will severely impact the Rio Grande Valley Area which has no large polluting industries here as to this date. Therefore, my actions are proactive before the danger comes to my area - as it is quickly approaching.

All Texans, both in Houston and other coastal cities are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

In our RGV area, there are no cumulative impact studies being performed by any federal or state agencies for the heavy industrialization of the Brownsville Ship Channel/Navigation District. How can this be so?

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

1/16/24 @ 11:37 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Olga Spuskanyuk

1/16/24 @ 11:34 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act.
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Comment From: Anna Henry

1/16/24 @ 11:12 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Brandyn Deason

1/16/24 @ 11:00 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Abhi Kumar

1/16/24 @ 10:55 AM
Hi TCEQ,

I am writing to request that you improve overall air quality in Texas. With the recent directive from the EPA, I am thrilled that you have the opportunity not just to abide by the nation's laws, but the opportunity to make Texas a clean air s...↓

Sincerely,
Abhi
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Comment From: Terry Wang

1/16/24 @ 10:50 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution. I live in Fort Bend County! Please keep us safe!
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Comment From: Maria Vasquez

1/16/24 @ 10:48 AM
Please establish regulations in Texas to protect our environment. Houston especially needs regulations.
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Comment From: Kathryne de Leon

1/16/24 @ 10:38 AM
I am just learning now that the EPA downgraded the requirement for ozone standards for the Houston area. As a Houston native, I think its ridiculous that those in power dont even care enough to ensure that the TCEQ can provide a SIP that meets federa...↓

These companies have made BILLIONS of dollars off of resources in the Houston area while putting Houstonians in harms way. Even though the executives at these companies are getting rich they cant even give Houstonians the decency of ensuring their resources are doing the least damage to the environment they can. A 2023 published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income.

While these companies have been in this city forever and helped us grow, provide jobs etc - that does NOT excuse causing harm to communities - especially those that are in underserved areas. Just because we live in mainly Black and brown or middle to low income communities doesnt mean that we deserve to breath in dangerous air.

I am demanding that you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the outdated, 15 year old, 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Lisa Craven

1/16/24 @ 10:33 AM
I am a long-time resident of Sugar Land, and I have noticed air quality in Texas getting worse each year. I am especially concerned about the 178 premature deaths a year caused by the Parish Coal Plant right in our neighborhood.

I urge TCEQ to impleme...↓
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Comment From: Theresa Blackwood

1/16/24 @ 10:33 AM
Attachments:

Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

1/16/24 @ 10:27 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: KIM Hanschen

1/16/24 @ 10:24 AM
Every Texan deserves clean air and a healthy environment. I urge the TCEQ to implement the most stringent plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Qual...↓

Industrial pollution, increased temperatures, and increased vehicular emissions are creating an ever greater problem. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

The neighborhoods at greatest risk in Houston are predominately composed of people of color. No Texan deserves to suffer health risks because our state is falling further behind the federal requirements. This lapse suggests that Texas does not care for the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly those who are the most impacted by these failures.

It is time to change this. It is time to bring the standards up and submit a state plan to meet the federal requirements for NAAQS. It is time to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

1/16/24 @ 10:15 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Robert Romero

1/16/24 @ 10:12 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Emma Pabst

1/16/24 @ 10:05 AM
Please protect Texans from air pollution! Everyone deserves the right to breathe clean air.
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Comment From: David Todd

1/16/24 @ 9:53 AM
I am concerned that the ozone SIP revision, as currently envisioned, does not adequately address the impact of fugitive and nonpermitted emissions, from leaking equipment, startups, flares, etc. In particular, I find the estimates of emissions from f...↓
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Comment From: Charles Nunu

1/16/24 @ 9:21 AM
Dear Madame or Sir TCEQ;

Part of the key issues is the increased population demographic and mobile emissions. While I agree a plan is in order, it seems to miss the most pressing problem of Mobile emissions from Cars, Trucks, rail, barge and ship.

As ...↓

It would do well to coordinate traffic flows with the metropolitan areas inside the HGB area as well as address issues with stationary sources..

We are moving to a point in history never before contemplated, where products produced by stationary sources may very well have the equivalent of an MDHS for each product... starting with Carbon intensity and moving to water and remediation; be it brown fields or abandoned wells, or habits. Happy to discuss some ideas. Would remind everyone one post HARVEY, the ozone sensors went mad and stationary sources had not even started up..

Thank you.

Kindest Regards,

Charles Nunu
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Comment From: Simone Kern

1/16/24 @ 9:13 AM
Ever since I moved to Houston, my asthma has steadily worsened. The number of Ozone Air Action days seems to get worse and worse each year as well. I cannot enjoy the outdoors or work outside because the air quality is so bad, and I can't breathe. Th...↓
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Comment From: Bess Wilhelms

1/16/24 @ 9:06 AM
The biggest issue facing our city is the poor air quality and lack of available walking support. Increased highway construction will only make this worse and make the cities walk ability even less so. The city needs investment in transit, not highway...↓
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Comment From: Environmental Protection Agency Anonymous

1/16/24 @ 1:00 AM
Attachments:

Comment From: Lonestar Sierra Club Anonymous

1/16/24 @ 1:00 AM
Attachments:

Comment From: Kim Zavala

1/15/24 @ 11:20 AM
Yeah ,ive gone back and forth in my early 20s from nyc to txs, and everytime I return the difference in air from dirty nyc to Houston has been decreasing. It is appalled to know that the clean crisp air of my hometown is becoming no more and is also ...↓
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Comment From: Amber Anonymous

1/15/24 @ 9:58 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
No attachments

Comment From: Cassandra Casados

1/14/24 @ 3:49 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: David Pedersen

1/14/24 @ 1:18 PM
Dear Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,

Firstly, thank you for updating your commenting form so non-Americans can submit comments as well. Many of your actions don't just affect Americans, so letting everyone have a say is crucial. I apologi...↓

As a Canadian clean-air advocate, I am writing to you today to urge you to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) airshed back into attainment for ozone/smog in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone as required by the Clean Air Act.

Ozone is not just harmful at higher concentrations, as the NAAQS falsely implies (Congress knew that any amount of air pollution is harmful when they enacted the NAAQS provisions). It is harmful, even deadly, at ANY concentration above zero; for example, in a 2019 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study entitled "Association Between Long-term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Change in Quantitatively Assessed Emphysema and Lung Function", researchers found that an increase of just three parts per billion (ppb) over 10 years "is comparable in terms of emphysema progression to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 29 years". Ozone is also the cause of the use of the chemical 6PPD in tires and other rubber products, which oxidizes to form 6PPD-quinone (6PPDq) - a chemical that is acutely toxic to marine life and possibly humans as well.

In the HGB airshed, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. According to permit records, NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the number-one source of localized NOx emissions, while ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC emissions.

A large part of the non-attainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels, biomass energy (especially wood burning), and a failure to appropriately and adequately regulate industry in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club found that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to concentrations of ozone that are considered to be unsafe. That's nearly 15 million people who are at increased risk of harm and premature death. This is a public-health crisis that your agency must address before more innocent people die as a result of inaction.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) identified six areas in Houston where residents were exposed to the highest eight-hour average concentrations of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb - the threshold at which headaches and other symptoms really begin to manifest (for context, the 2008 standard is 75 ppb, while the latest World Health Organization [WHO] guidelines call for 50 ppb during the off-season and only 30 ppb during the peak season, both averaged over 8 hours). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of colour, and that about 50 percent of these households are low-income. Overall, their study shows that people of colour and low-income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since the standard was strengthened in 2008.

Texans, and even people elsewhere on Earth, are facing the very real, dangerous, and even deadly consequences of your agency's ongoing failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so I expect and urge you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Regards,

David Pedersen

6744 Welch Road, Saanichton,
British Columbia, Canada V8M 1W6
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Comment From: Joel Richards

1/14/24 @ 11:06 AM
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Comment From: Stephanie Anonymous

1/13/24 @ 11:18 AM
I urge the TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area into attainment for ozone pollution, in accordance with the 2008 National Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act.

2023 was the h...↓

To do this, it is essential to fix flaws and loopholes of TCEQ operation, as they allow exceptional amounts of pollution. For example, these flaws and loopholes allow excess nitrous oxide pollution in the WA Parish Plant in Fort Bend county, which is one of the worst-polluting coal plants in Texas. Regulatory loopholes include:

1. Fugitive emissions problems; as this may overlap with the new methane regulations unveiled in November 2023, it may be doubly legally required for the TCEQ to enforce stricter limits on fugitive emissions.
2. Mis-categorization of minor and major pollution sources. Many facilities, such as those in the Greater Houston area, classify major polluting sources as "minor sources", allowing them to evade appropriate regulations. Currently, when facilities mis-categorize pollution sources as "minor", the TCEQ does not step in to bring them into compliance.
3. The "1-mile rule", an "unwritten rule" or custom held as a rule, which is found nowhere in state law or in the TCEQ's rules. The "1-mile rule" prohibits citizens who live more than 1 mile away from a polluting facility from challenging its air quality permits, regardless of whether they are affected. Air pollution can affect people from a much greater distance can 1 mile. I urge you to create a framework for evaluating the distance from a polluting site under which people are meaningfully affected, make a ruling for it, and then enforce it.
4. Overly loose standards when the affirmative defense is acceptable, as the affirmative defense is frequently abused by polluting facilities to release excessive air pollution without being penalized for it.
Tighten the standards for when the
5. House Bill 1794, which makes it harder for private citizens to sue polluting companies, and therefore makes it harder for them to hold polluting companies accountable. I urge you to challenge this bill.

We need more than incremental changes to keep ozone within safe levels.

The current TCEQ plan fails to consider the effects of decisions that incentivize single-occupancy vehicles at scale. Expanding highways leads to induced demand, and in turn creates more congestion, creating more air pollution. I would like to see structural reforms to regional transportation planning.

Additionally, the public participation process has problems. It is too short, and the 2015 ozone SIP was released over the Thanksgiving holidays, when fewer members of the public would be able to notice and respond to them. It is necessary to provide more time for community engagement.
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

1/12/24 @ 5:54 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Jana Harter

1/12/24 @ 4:55 PM
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Comment From: Ronald Bolek

1/12/24 @ 4:49 PM
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Comment From: William Stone

1/12/24 @ 4:43 PM
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Comment From: Bill Holt

1/12/24 @ 4:34 PM
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Comment From: Sabrina Eckles

1/12/24 @ 4:22 PM
To the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,

I write to ask that you pass strong ozone plans for the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, and Bexar County regions (Docket Nos. 2023-107-SIP-NR, 2023-108-SIP-NR, 2023-110-SIP-NR, and 2023-...↓

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently rejected State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions by Texas for these three regions for the 2015 ozone SIP. I agree with the EPA's conclusion that Texas has not proposed measures adequate to bring our cities into attainment of federal pollution standards. For this reason, I think Texas should do more in its SIP submissions to reduce ozone pollution.

Mobile sources—cars and trucks—are significant contributors to ozone precursor pollution. Texas recently discontinued safety inspections, meaning vehicles not meeting air pollution standards are more likely to go undetected. Texas must maintain a robust emissions testing system in counties where this is required. Texas must also ensure that car companies are not cheating on emission testing, as Volkswagen and Audi have done. Strategies to combat vehicle pollution include emissions tests, the smoking vehicle program, and remote emissions sensing.

Large stationary sources are some of the worst emitters of ozone pollution precursors. Texas can reduce ozone pollution by closing its largest stationary source emitters, including the WA Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County (the large NOx emitter in the region) and the Martin Lake Power Plant in Rusk County. Texas must also ensure that major stationary sources are not avoiding major source review by undercounting emissions to stay under the major source threshold or by improperly segmenting major modification projects.

Emissions from oil and gas facilities must also be addressed. TCEQ uses drilling rig counts from 2014/2015 in the DFW SIP, which is unacceptable when more recent rig counts are readily available. TCEQ can also reduce emissions from the oil and gas industry by promoting the use of electric drilling equipment and renewable energy. The TCEQ can join the EPA in implementing the new methane rule to reduce emissions of methane, an ozone precursor.

Finally, the TCEQ can strictly enforce the Clean Air Act and the permits it issues under the act. Most air pollution violations in Texas occur with no corrective action at all. The TCEQ has a crucial role to play in using enforcement to give companies an economic incentive to obey the law.

In conclusion, I do not believe the TCEQ is doing enough in its SIP submissions to meet ozone pollution standards. I encourage the agency to do all it can to reduce pollution and protect public health.


Sabrina Eckles,
Lubbock
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Comment From: Axel Vogt

1/12/24 @ 3:20 PM
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Comment From: Ana Mac Naught

1/12/24 @ 1:46 PM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Tracy Musgrove

1/12/24 @ 1:30 PM
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Comment From: James Hickey

1/12/24 @ 12:10 PM
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Comment From: Robert Moore

1/12/24 @ 11:48 AM
Please protect Texas from Ozone and other pollutants
Thank Yon
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Comment From: Mary E. Schultz

1/12/24 @ 11:13 AM
I am very concerned about toic air being breathed by millions of Texans in my area, largely due to inadeuate regulation of ozone-producing refineries and chemical plants in/near Houston. I support the
the knowledge and articulation of the problem by A...↓
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act.

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.

Thank you for your consideration.
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Comment From: Timothy Edward Duda

1/12/24 @ 11:00 AM
I urge TCEQ to implement the most stringent possible plan to bring the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area back into attainment for ozone pollution in accordance with the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards as required by the Clean Air Act....↓

In the HGB area, a group of large industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical and petrochemical plants are the largest ozone-precursor sources and need to reduce both VOCs and NOx emissions in order to improve Houston's are quality. NRG's Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County is by far the #1 source of NOx pollution locally. ExxonMobil's Baytown complex is the largest sources of VOC pollution.

A large part of the nonattainment problem in Texas is also related to increased temperatures, because the summers are getting hotter as the climate crisis is exasperated by continued reliance on fossil fuels and a failure to appropriately regulate polluting industries in general. A recent story from the Sierra Club identified that nearly half of the Texas population is consistently exposed to unsafe levels of ozone pollution. That's nearly 15 million people that could be at risk. This is a public health crisis that we need TCEQ to address before it worsens.

In addition, a 2023 report published by the Environmental Integrity Project identified 6 Houston areas where residents were exposed to the highest levels of ozone in 2023 at 100 ppb (the 2008 standard is 75 ppb). It is also revealed that more than 90 percent of the residents in 4 of these areas are people of color, and that about 50 percent of these households are low income. Overall, their study shows that people of color and low income households in Houston are more likely to be exposed to ozone concentrations that are higher than the federal standard and the least likely to have been improved since these standards were set in 2008.

Texans are facing the very real and dangerous consequences of TCEQ's failure to submit state plans that meet the federal requirements for NAAQS, so we expect you all to do your due diligence and provide the most stringent regulations with these revisions to the 2008 plan.
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Comment From: Sarah Hesterlee

1/12/24 @ 10:21 AM
Clean air is a basic human right.
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Comment From: Karen Conyngham

1/12/24 @ 10:04 AM
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Comment From: Gary Shephard

1/12/24 @ 9:08 AM
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Comment From: Jennifer Hadayia

1/12/24 @ 8:37 AM
Please see the attached document for comments.
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Comment From: Carol Fly

1/12/24 @ 3:04 AM
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Comment From: Houston Public Hearing Transcript Anonymous

1/04/24 @ 8:00 PM
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Comment From: Rodrigo Cantu

12/14/23 @ 12:43 PM
Please see the attached comment period extension request.
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