"Texas continues to lead the nation in innovative and proactive
ways to improve air quality—and we have made great strides.
From our AirCheckTexas vehicle emissions testing and replacement
program to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan that replaces older,
dirtier engines in heavy-duty trucks and equipment, we are
continuing to seek new ways to improve air quality.
Not only is our air cleaner now than ever before, but from 1996 to
2006, we reduced the following from industrial sources:
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 52.9%
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by 21.7%
- Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 43.0%
While I still have concerns over the achievability of this new
standard, we will continue working with EPA, city and county
officials, and the business and industries in these areas in order
to meet the federal ozone standards.
Through this team effort we are confident that we will adopt a
State Implementation Plan which will allow the state to achieve its
attainment goals while ensuring continued air quality for the
citizens of Texas."
