Environmental Protection in 2010
Fast Forward
•Rather than applying for traditional environmental permits, companies complete online Compliance Operations Agreements that describe the environmental standards they must meet.
•Compliance Operations Agreements are completed through a streamlined process of pre-approved pollution control methods applicable to its operations and geographic location.
•Facilities are monitored electronically, with notice of failure to comply sent automatically by email when remote monitors detect a violation. This information is posted automatically on the Internet for public viewing.
•Field inspectors use technology to automatically transmit sound, pictures and data to a central database that automatically prepares and transmits a report back to the company via email.
•Streamlined permitting processes have facilitated the development of robust electronically enabled marketplaces for the online trading of water, effluent, and air emissions trading.
•Texas re-emerges as a net energy exporter by developing new drilling and recovery technology in both the oil and gas industry, and by developing wind, solar and water energy generation techniques.
•Texans enjoy selecting their providers of electricity, gas and water over the Internet with the latest rates available in real time.
•Government provides building standards that increase energy efficiency and use more sustainable design features.
•Texans enjoy open and protected space through public/private partnerships that ensure plentiful recreational opportunities. Some are maintained and operated by private enterprise through performance-based agreements with the state.
•Texans receive a large percentage of their water from the Gulf of Mexico, utilizing the latest desalinization techniques.
Environmental protection changed dramatically during the first decade of the 21st century. With the aid of block grants from the federal government and new technologies, Texas was able to focus its resources on true environmental problems. Companies no longer apply for traditional environmental permits; instead, they complete a Compliance Operations Agreement online that describes the environmental standards they must meet.
Take Acme Refining, which seeks to open a new facility in the Houston area. To do so, the company visits the TNRCC Web site and selects from a menu of pre-approved pollution control requirements specific to its operations and geographic location. As Acme Refining completes the form, the emissions inventory database is automatically adjusted to reflect the change in emissions for which Acme will be responsible. Acme can pay emission fees at this time through an electronic bank draft or credit card.
Susan has worked at the TNRCC for the past eight years. She started out as an environmental analyst working on Houston air issues, and played an important role in helping Houston meet federal clean air standards a year ahead of schedule. Now she is the team leader responsible for ensuring that Houston maintains its status as a “clean air” city. Up-to-date emission inventory numbers are critical to the state’s ability to ensure that national health standards are met. Susan automatically receives a monthly electronic report that includes the latest emission numbers from Acme Refining and other permit applicants.
Before Acme’s new refining facility begins operations, Tom, a TNRCC field inspector, must conduct a physical inspection of the facility to verify that Acme is in compliance with its operations agreement. As he leaves his office, Tom downloads Acme’s operations agreement into his personal digital assistant (PDA) that contains all the information necessary to conduct a thorough inspection.
After completing his inspection and ensuring that all fence line air monitors are operational, Tom authorizes Acme Refining to begin operations. Back at his office, Tom can access the readings of the fence line monitors over the Internet—as can any member of the public who wishes to monitor the air quality around the new facility.
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