14 DAY TRIAL // Just recently, a district court judge has decided that a new coal plant will not be built in Texas after all, on the grounds that the construction would constitute a major source of toxic air pollution and would therefore jeopardize public health in this region.
Plans to build the Las Brisas coal plant on the outskirts of Corpus Christi, a city in Texas, date back to 2008.
Ever since, members of the local communities have been trying to prevent the coal company from beginning construction activities. It now seems that their efforts have finally paid off.
As Sierra Club reports, Hal Suter, who lives in this part of the US, argued that, “The City of Corpus Christi is building a clean energy economy, and a dirty, new plant like Las Brisas doesn't fit in with those plans.”
One other resident of this city explained how, “Our families, business leaders, and public officials are working to build a clean future for our city and a clean economy for long term growth. Coal has no role in this vision of our city.”
Apparently, the judge refused to allow the construction of this new Texan coal plant primarily because those in charge of this project failed to prove that Las Brisas would not negatively impact on the environment and on public health.
Thus, there was absolutely no guarantee that the aforementioned coal plant would be successful in lowering the amounts of toxic chemical compounds it released into the atmosphere.
Of these chemical compounds, mercury was the one that worried locals the most, as it acts as a potent neurotoxin.
As well as this, there is the issue of soot and fine particulates, which are known for causing health issues such as heart and asthma attacks.
This court decision is indeed something worth celebrating, as it shows that due consideration is now given in the US to the wellbeing of the environment and to public health.
Hal Suter says it best: “This week's court ruling sends a message – public health must be a top priority for state officials.”