Folks - This came across another listserve I subscribe to. Thought many might find this of interest as lots of us work on ground water protection or other pollution issues. I don't have any information about the severity of the proposed bills or how serious this is. Figured I should forward and let folks make their own decisions.
Sounds like it would not hurt to write a letter voicing your opinion to your state rep or senator. Joe ************************************* Hey guys, A bill has been introduced that would eliminate the right of folks to contest TCEQ permits through the contested case hearing process. This comes up every so often, and we really need to fight it. As you know, the Texas Rivers Protection Association has participated in many contested case hearings over the years. In fact, all the water quality improvements that we have caused have been through contested case hearings. We wouldn't have state of the art sewage treatment plants in either Kerrville or San Marcos if it hadn't been for contested case hearings. And, the state would have proceeded happily along allowing entities to pump water our of our rivers to recharge underground aquifers, with little concern for maintaining adequate minimum streamflows. A hearing on the legislation is scheduled for this next Tuesday at 9 a.m. in room E1.012 in the capital annex. I have to be in Bethesda Maryland this coming Tuesday, so I can't make the hearing. If there is any way you can make it, even if all you do is sign a witness card and state that you are opposed to the legislation, it would be greatly appreciated. I am pasting below the body of an e-mail I received that talks a little more about the legislation and what you can do to oppose it. Thanks for your help. Tom Goynes Texas Rivers Protection Association cell: 512-787-5574 Hello, I am emailing you because I found your email in TCEQ contested case hearing requests. My name is Hillary Corgey with a nonprofit in Austin called Public Citizen, and I wanted to inform you that two Texas legislators are trying to eliminate the contested case hearing process and replace it with a system that would further disadvantage citizens fighting against polluters. I have enclosed a fact sheet for you to review. If you are interested in attending a meeting on contested case hearings in Austin, it will be next Tuesday, March 19th, at 9am in E1.012. If you are unable to attend but still want to participate, please send me an email with your name, your phone number, your address, the bill number (SB 957), and your experience with contested case hearings. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 512-477-1155. If you are unable to reach me between 9 and 6 on a workday, call my cell phone at (512)-662-7718. I can answer this on the weekends. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Hillary Corgey
2013-03-04 Hearing Elimination Fact Sheet.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document
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