January 7, 2010

On January 7th, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson announced a proposal to lower the federal eight-hour ozone standard to between 60 and 70 parts per billion (ppb). This announcement comes only 18 months after EPA lowered the standard to 75 ppb in March 2008. With this new, stricter standard, more areas of the state such as Austin, San Antonio and Longview-Marshall could fall into nonattainment, and areas such as Houston and Dallas will have an even more difficult task reaching attainment. To view the full release, click on the following link: EPA News Release.

There will be a public hearing on the proposal in Houston on February 2, 2010. TCC will be actively engaged in both the hearing and submitting comments on this proposal. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mike McMullen at (512) 646-6404 or mmcmullen@txchemcouncil.org.

The ACIT Houston Ship Channel region held its first Regional Economic Outlook Breakfast on December 3rd at Houston’s Brady’s Landing.  The event – attended by more than 150 people – was hosted by ACIT, TCC, and the East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA). 

Attendees heard presentations from refinery sector representatives, chemical sector representatives, the Port of Houston, and the Economic Alliance – Houston Port Region. 

“This event provides our members with an insight into the challenges that companies are facing during these tough economic times”, said ACIT President Hector Rivero.  “It is critical that we protect this important economic engine in the Houston Ship Channel.  These industries provide most of the investment, jobs, and tax-base in this region.”

The breakfast presentations are available to members in the members section of our website, by clicking here and logging in.  To view the photos click here.