Legislative Bill Title and Body
Texas Clean Air Act (TCAA) was established in 1965 by the Texas House of Representatives Committee following the rise in air pollution due to the massive industrialization of the state.
Legislative Bill Summary
The prominent roles of the act include protecting the physical property of Texas citizens, their welfare and resources, and ultimately, their wellbeing. The TCAA law is divided into seven subchapters, each performing a specific function. While Subchapter A outlines the general provisions and definitions of air pollutants, subchapter B defines the powers of the Texas Committee of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Additionally, subchapter C outlines the permitting process, which includes issuing operating permits to organizations. The fourth section, subchapter D, establishes how local governments can enforce air protection. Besides, the fifth component, subchapter E, specifies the authority present in the local government that will act as a watchdog of air quality regulation (Committees and subject search results, n.d.). Lastly, whereas subchapter G addresses issues concerning vehicle emissions, subchapter H elaborates on the obligations in the Early Action Compact. This legislative act focuses on ozone layer depletion, vehicle emissions, and emissions of gases such as nitric oxide from factories operating in Texas.
Potential Impact of the Legislation on the Community
The main effect of the legislation on the Texas community is the promotion of healthy living. Based on my opinion, TCAA has reduced health emergencies in Texas since the law has reduced the number of toxic gases such as sulfur and nitric oxides released into the atmosphere. Additionally, the law has reduced children’s predisposition to air contaminants since air pollution mainly affects children due to their surface area to volume ratio. Lastly, the legislation has promoted the construction of efficient cooking and heating systems, preventing the creation of high-emitting-fuel-based technologies, which often result in air pollution.
Agreement or Disagreement with the Legislation
I agree with TCCA due to the paramount role the legislation plays in Texas state. Firstly, TCAA establishes the authorities that are involved in the protection of air quality. Its subchapters, such as subchapter D, outline components that are likely to pollute the atmosphere and even prescribe some of the methods to reduce such constituents in factories. In addition to stating pollutants, the legislation has promoted the building and assembly of sustainable vehicles that emit less carbon blueprint.
Reference
Committees and subject search results. (n.d.). Legislative Reference Library. Web.