Texas, the state with the most oil refineries, chemical plants and coal-fired power plants, is being demanded by the Environmental Protection Agency to reissue 80 Clean Water Permits to “facilities that have been operating without the necessary paperwork”. The demand specifically refers to sewage treatment plants and industrial facilities, which allegedly are releasing toxic materials into Texas’ waterways. The EPA fears that by not issuing the necessary permits, it is “authorizing” the release of toxic materials.
It was reported that in 2007 alone, over 13 million pounds of toxic waste was dumped in Texas waterways. This figure has serious implications, as Texas is one of the most populated states which relies heavily on safe drinking water for consumptions and agriculture. And while some blame the EPA for stifling progress towards safe drinking water and minimal toxic pollution through interference, others blame Texas’ conservative mentality for being ignorant towards issues such as that of the current Water Permit Distribution.
As discussed in class, issues often arise from a difference of opinion of the federal level and the state or local level. In this case, the governor of Texas and The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality oppose Obama’s “meddling in state affairs” as well as the EPA’s demanding requests for the state to issue Clean Water Act permits. It clearly makes sense to give the states control to issue Water Permit Acts, as it would be a much slower, less efficient process if it were done on a federal level. Yet after giving control to the states, it often causes conflict when the federal government tries to step in and retake control.
The issue also highlights another large problem in this country: political polarization. The fact that conservatives and liberals argue have and will continue to disagree on issues is clear. Yet the bipartisan nature of our government creates an arena where competitiveness prevails over cooperation. In this case, the conservatives (the Texas administration) are opposing the authoritarian requests of the liberals (the current EPA administration) in a battle to keep the drinking water of over 20 million people safe. Though competition and opposing ideas does sometimes create innovation and progress, cooperation is essential when dealing with human necessities such as safe drinking water.
This is a very serious issue that has implications for millions of people as you stated. This issue is a matter of life and death for the affected people. I don't think clean water is an issue that should be argued over across political party lines. Every politician should want their constituents to have clean water. It should be a necessity for everybody in the US to have access to clean and safe drinking water. For in the future this may not be the case if our current path of actions are not changed. The Texas government should respect the EPA's findings and authorizations, as well as its citizens need for clean water.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the fact that clean water is a matter of life or death and that having clean and safe water should be of first concern. The fact that it is being argued is mind blowing to me because everyone should allowed equal rights to safe water.
ReplyDeleteFar too often issues are argued and problems are overlooked because the negative impacts of the issues are not experienced by all. The people that aren't subjected to the harmful water seem to overlook the problems and only act in self interest. This problem needs to change and everyone in United States should be allowed equal opportunities at safe drinking water.