Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has asked the state’s environmental agency to halt approving permits for cement plants until the 2025 legislative session, reported The Texas Tribune.
Patrick sent a letter to Jon Niermann, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) chair, expressing concerns for a proposed 600-acre Black Mountain Cement plant and quarry in Grayson County. He wrote that the community remained unconvinced of the agency’s review of the plant’s air quality impact, and also worry about the project’s impact on the water quality. Additionally, Patrick is concerned about the negative impact the plant could have on nearby companies and ultimately, the local economy.
“Due to these concerns, I cannot support the project,” Patrick wrote. “I ask you to immediately pause the permitting processes for all permanent cement production plants statewide until the legislature can weigh in. Under no circumstance should this permit be expedited.”
The Texas legislature’s next regular session begins in January 2025.
