The Houston Chronicle
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Brazoria County protests smog plan

Officials say emissions overstated

September 6, 2000

By STEVE OLAFSON
Copyright 2000 Houston Chronicle

ANGLETON -- Commissioners Court here on Tuesday formally protested the state's plans to impose the same smog-reduction measures in Brazoria County that it plans to implement in Harris County.

In a resolution that was passed unanimously, the court authorized the Brazoria County district attorney to take "all appropriate legal actions" to ensure that the county gets a fair hearing before the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.

Brazoria County officials have been the most vocal in the Houston area in opposing the state's proposals to curb ground-level ozone.

Under federal law, Brazoria County is part of the Houston-Galveston Non-Attainment Area, an eight-county region that must comply with federal air-quality standards by 2007.

The TNRCC, the state's environmental agency, has proposed deep cuts in industrial emissions, lower speed limits, stricter tailpipe tests and morning bans on the use of heavy construction equipment and gasoline-powered lawn equipment.

Brazoria County government and business leaders say the sprawling county, much of it farm and ranch country, shouldn't be under the same restrictions as the more urban counties.

The resolution passed by commissioners states that there is no conclusive proof that Brazoria County contributes to the rates of ozone recorded in Harris County and that nitrogen oxide emissions attributed to vehicles in the county are overstated.

In addition, the resolution states that industry in the county lowered its point-source nitrogen oxide levels from 103 in 1996 to 77 in 1999.

Jesse Hibbetts, chairman of the Business Coalition Task Force for the Brazosport Chamber of Commerce, said county leaders want a voice in negotiations that will determine what environmental measures are adopted for the Houston area.

"We don't think what we do affects Houston," he said. "The air and water in our county is cleaner than it's been in 40 years."

The TNRCC this month will hold public hearings and solicit written comments on its plan to reduce emissions that contribute to ground-level ozone, smog's main ingredient.

The TNRCC's three commissioners are expected to adopt a smog reduction plan Dec. 6.