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Volume 71, Issue 152,
Thursday, July 20, 2006
News Bell vows cleaner state Dem nominee to push for new environmental policies if he’s elected by Justin Knapp
During a campaign stop in Houston on Tuesday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell promised he will direct attention to environmental improvements in Texas if he’s elected an issue he said has been hurt by Gov. Rick Perry’s negligence. Bell held a press conference outside Minute Maid Park where he discussed his "Healthy Texas" environmental plan.
Congressman and gubernatorial nominee Chris Bell and Laurie Haffelfinger, communication director for the Galveston-Houston Association for Smog Prevention, examine a pollution monitor at Kinley Park Tuesday afternoon. Bell was visiting local polluted areas as part of his environmental campaign stop in Houston. Justin Knapp/The Daily
Cougar
"I am sick and tired of a problem that is making Texas sick and polluters rich," he said. Bell’s plan involves strengthening environmental regulations. The plan suggests ending Perry’s "grandfather" provisions that grant immunity for municipal regulations that protect the health, safety and property of nearby landowners. "It’s not just that Rick Perry has failed to recognize the scope of the crisis. It’s that time after time, he goes out of his way to make the problem worse," Bell said. Bell’s proposal calls for the development of new energy solutions. Included is a call for 10 percent of the state’s electricity to come from Texas-based, non-polluting renewable energy sources by 2015. "We need to promote the development of biodiesel, especially in rural areas and agricultural areas. This will help increase the quality of the state’s air," Bell said. Bell’s plan also includes provisions for protecting air and water quality. The plan also wants to enact energy-efficient programs to reduce air pollution from existing power plants. Bell also urged young voters to become involved in the environment. "When it comes to the younger voters and the environment, this is their world, and it is their future. They need to be aware of the serious health concerns that are happening now and will continue to happen unless things are changed. I believe that the young people are very knowledgeable about the environment and do take a bigger interest in it than ever but we need to keep improving," he said. Send comments to dcnews@mail.uh.edu |
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