Investing in clean energy, combating plastic pollution

SAN ANTONIO – The 89th Texas legislative session kicks off next Tuesday.

Thousands of bills will be filed, including some focused on state environmental concerns.

Protecting Texas’ resources and its residents is the goal of the nonprofit Environment Texas.

Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas, highlighted three priority issues lawmakers should address in the session.

Investing in clean energy

“We need the Legislature to do no harm, to not throw a wrench in the works of the clean energy boom that Texas is experiencing and creating so much benefit in terms of air quality, lower electric bills and a more reliable grid,” Metzger said.

Metzger also noted the push for legislation to ease permitting processes for Texans to access batteries and solar power, particularly in vulnerable areas where power outages are common.

Reducing plastic pollution in Texas

“We really need the Legislature to get these plastic companies to stop dumping or spilling these pellets that are so harmful to our oceans and to our beaches and to our own health,” Metzger said.

Metzger explained that plastics harm wildlife and may end up on dinner tables through seafood sourced from Texas waters.

Addressing toxic ‘forever’ chemicals

“Here in Texas is that (sic) these chemicals often find their way into our wastewater, and then the wastewater treatment plants will take the solid parts of the wastewater, the biosolids, and sell it to farmers to use as fertilizer,” Metzger said. “And, unfortunately, we’re learning that these biosolids are often contaminated.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shown that these chemicals, known as “forever” chemicals, can enter Texas soil and the food supply, posing risks of cancer and other health concerns. Livestock may also be harmed.

One proposed bill would require wastewater treatment plants to test for contamination from these chemicals.

Metzger is optimistic about bipartisan support for these issues.

“All of us breathe the air, drink the water, are concerned about our health, are concerned about our children,” Metzger said. “And so, I think there’s a good shot that we can pass some of these bills.”