We are a group of committed business leaders who feel it is critical to
become involved in matters that affect air quality in Texas.
We firmly
believe that not only our health and the health of our children and
grandchildren but also the economic vitality of our own businesses
depend upon our ability to foster technologies that promote efficiency
and minimize harmful emissions.
There is no conflict between promoting clean air and business
interests, but rather a natural alliance for the long-term health and
economic benefit that clean air will bring to Texas.
An issue that has tremendous significance on the quality of our air is
the proposal to fast-track the permitting of conventional coal-fired
power plants.
We oppose the fast-track process and join The Dallas
Morning News, the group of 25 Texas state legislators, the mayors'
coalition and other groups calling for a temporary moratorium on the
permitting process.
The hearing on the first and largest plant, which will be close to
Dallas-Fort Worth, is scheduled to begin Jan. 10.
TXU's proposed 11
coal plants would more than double emissions of carbon dioxide from 55
million to 133 million tons, the equivalent of putting 14 million cars
on the road.
We hope the Legislature will step up and provide the leadership needed
to assure an outcome that is good for all Texans both now and in the
future. We urge legislators to examine other available energy
technologies, such as "clean coal" (IGCC), which turns coal into a
cleaner gas and then burns it; nuclear power; and renewables such as
solar power.
Texas has enough power generation capacity today. The Electricity
Reliability Council of Texas said it has power to meet even peak
demand. However, its margins between available capacity and peak load
will diminish to unacceptable levels in the next three years if no new
peak capacity is created. We are basically talking about the 20 days in
July and August when we run our air conditioners nonstop. The
projections for needs are based on continued escalation of energy use
without any conservation measures.
Why make such a massive investment in older technology just to respond
to projected shortfalls for a few peak days in 2008-10?
Let's respond
to immediate issues and then invest in the newest and best technology.
Let's look at conservation strategies, renewable energy, peak-demand
pricing, intelligent metering and smaller gas-fired plants to handle
the peak loads. These are the solutions that will benefit Texans and
Texas businesses.
We recommend that:
Join Texas Business for Clean Air, and we will work together to ensure
the health and economy of Texas. Please visit us at
www.TexasBusinessforCleanAir.org
and find out how you can make a
difference today.
Signed,
Texas Business for Clean Air
Co-chairmen:
The following information appeared in a three-quarter-page ad in the Opinion section of the Dallas Morning News on Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Garrett Boone -
The Container Store
Coalition Members:
Trammell S. Crow -
Crow Collection of Asian Art
David Litman -
ConsumerClub.com
Wick Allison
D Magazine
Kenneth and Ruth Altshuler
Richard C. Bartlett
Randy Best
Best & Associates
Hal Brierley
Brierley & Partners
Mary McDermott Cook
Edwin L. Cox
Edwin L. Cox Co.
Steve Durham
Americas Strategic Alliances LLC
Roger Enrico
Dreamworks Animation SKG Inc.
Lee Fikes
Bonanza Oil
I.D "Nash" Flores III
Ceres Capital Partners
Craig Hall
Hall Financial Group
Howard Hallam
Jess Hay
Tim Hixon
Hixon Properties
Tom Lardner
Sun Bright LTD
Michael Lunceford
Tav C. Lupton III
Aubrey K. McClendon
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
Alan Meeker
Conglomerate Gas LP
Bernard Rapoport
American Income Life Insurance Co.
Edward "Rusty" Rose
Cardinal Investments
Stephen S. Smith
Smith Group Asset Management
Jeffrey L. Swope
Champion Partners
Liener Temerlin
Temerlin Consulting
Buddy and Ellen Temple
Jay Wagley
CBRE L.J. Melody & Company of Texas
Sam Wyly
Ranger Capital