Introduction
Despite its numerous benefits, modernization has posed some challenges to society, for instance, environmental degradation. Like other states that experienced industrial revolution and growth of urban centers, Texas had to consider the implementation of environmental regulations to facilitate environmental conservation (Campbell 464). The state government, though reluctant initially, had to come up with regulations that would help in curbing pollution and environmental degradation at large. This paper, therefore, aims at discussing the air pollution reform, its origin, its progress, and its achievements.
According to Campbell (464), Texas was not very urbanized until the mid-twentieth century. There were also no evident measures of conserving the environment as the effects of modernization had not been greatly felt. However, when modernization began exhibiting a negative impact on the environment, Texan leaders reluctantly considered passing regulations to conserve the environment. Even though efforts were minimal then, the reform paved the way for the establishment of regulations aimed at protecting the environment.
In 1965, the first legislation was passed and it resulted in the establishment of the 'Air Control Board' (Campbell 464). The board was initiated by the governor and given the mandate to restrain and reduce air pollution in Texas. It was, however, required to consider the impact of its decisions on industries and economic development. In 1993, a bigger agency, the 'Natural Resources Conservation Commission' was established, under which the Air Control Board operated. The commission was established with goals of improving the air quality conditions in Texas.
In spite of the Natural Resources Conservation Commission's plans to reduce air pollution in Texas, the reform did not achieve its mandate. At the beginning of the 21st Century, Houston, Texas had been ranked as the city with the worst air quality in the United States (Campbell 464). As a state, Texas had the highest emissions of air pollutants and ozone-producing chemicals. The polluters were unwilling to voluntarily control harmful emissions; therefore, more stringent legislation was needed to accomplish this.
The title Natural Resources Conservation Commission was short-lived and was later changed to 'Texas Commission on Environmental Quality' (TCEQ). This was after the passage of the 'Sunset' legislation in 2001 (TCEQ 1). The legislation gave TCEQ the mandate to regulate environmental quality up to 2030. TQEQ's mission includes the protection of human and natural resources in Texas while sustaining economic development. Its goal is to ensure that Texans have clean air, clean water, as well as a secure waste management system (Texas Sunset Advisory Commission 1). TCEQ is currently in place and working towards accomplishing its mandate. The commission has made progress in monitoring, evaluation, and protection of the natural waters through the Water Quality Program.
I strongly believe that environmental regulations are important to any state including Texas. The reforms and regulations aid in stipulating clear guidelines on how the environment should be considered. In this era of modernization, the environment is at a high risk of degradation due to the emission of greenhouse gases which cause global warming. Global warming is a threat to human life, especially due to the negative impact on our health. I, therefore, think that Texas should spend money and time on environmental reforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, environmental degradation is evident in our current society due to the effects of modernization. Implementation of environmental regulations is crucial in facilitating environmental conservation. Like other states, Texas experienced the negative impact of modernization and had to take measures to solve this problem. Legislations were, therefore, passed since the 19th century, though measures have efficiently been implemented in the 21st century. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an agency that was established with the aim of safeguarding environmental quality. Environmental regulations are, thus, important in conserving the environment.
Works Cited
Campbell, Randolph B. Gone to Texas: a history of the Lone Star State. Oxford University Press, 2003.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.https://www.tceq.texas.gov/. Accessed 4 December 2018.
Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. https://www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/texas-commission-environmental-quality-tceq. Accessed 4 December 2018.
Cite this page
Paper Example on Environmental Reforms in Texas. (2022, Oct 15). Retrieved from https://midtermguru.com/essays/paper-example-on-environmental-reforms-in-texas
If you are the original author of this essay and no longer wish to have it published on the midtermguru.com website, please click below to request its removal:
- Annotated Bibliography on Volkswagen Emissions Scandal
- Ethical Beliefs on Climate Change as Observed by Christians and Muslims - Paper Example
- Research Paper on Global Warming and the Effect on Crop Production
- Essay Sample on Haiti Earthquake
- Clean Water: Essential for Life, Yet Neglected by Many - Research Paper
- Auburn: Reducing Paper Waste for Environmental Sustainability - Essay Sample
- Humane Treatment of Animals: Benefits, Ethics and Laws - Essay Sample