Texas: Do Not Silence Environmental Complaints!
Final signature count: 5,815
5,815 signatures toward our 30,000 goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
Citizen complaints are crucial in holding polluters accountable, and investigations resulting from these complaints are more likely to find violations. Tell Texas to listen to its citizens!
Texans are concerned about the state’s environmental issues, including water scarcity1, air pollution2, and climate change3. These concerns are shared by ordinary Texans, not just environmental activists and policymakers. Texans need government and environmental oversight that is accessible to all.
The oil and gas industry is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Texas4. Its operations have been linked to air pollution and water contamination, causing health problems for Texans, including respiratory issues, cancer, and birth defects5. Additionally, droughts and water scarcity are expected to worsen due to climate change and increased demand.
A proposed bill in Texas, Senate Bill 471, could fine residents for making multiple environmental complaints that don’t lead to enforcement action6.
If the bill passes, it could lead to missed violations due to slow responses to complaints. TCEQ can take weeks or months to resolve investigations, and by the time the agency sends an investigator, the problem may have disappeared or changed7.
Under the proposed law, residents could face a fine it they file more than three complaints to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within a calendar year8. Indeed, responding to citizen complaints is a crucial part of TCEQ’s job. Citizen complaints are essential in holding polluters accountable, and investigations resulting from citizen complaints are more likely to find violations9.
Like all Americans, Texans should have the right to call for stronger environmental regulations and oversight to address environmental concerns. They should have the right to urge their elected government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water resources, and promote renewable energy. Considering recent legislative efforts to shield the oil and gas community from climate initiatives, the Texas government is more closely aligned with the oil and gas industry, which could make it difficult to implement meaningful change10.
The proposed bill is an intimidation tactic that will discourage people from reporting environmental problems across the state. Citizen complaints are essential to holding polluters accountable, and Texans need to have access to environmental oversight. Sign the petition to stop Texas from silencing environmental concerns!