HOUSTON — Texas has refused to meet new federal greenhouse-gas emission rules that go into effect Jan. 2.
The move could halt construction at the nation’s largest refineries and other industries in Texas.
The refusal to join 49 other states in agreeing to the new rules is the latest salvo from Texas in its fight with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which Gov. Rick Perry has used on the campaign trail as an example of federal meddling.
“Texas has neither the authority nor the intention of interpreting, ignoring or amending its laws in order to compel the permitting of greenhouse gas emissions,” said a letter to the EPA from the Texas Commission on Environment Quality and state Attorney General Greg Abbott.
The new greenhouse-gas rules require the nation’s largest industries to meet more stringent greenhouse -gas emissions standards in new or significantly modified structures.
Texas, home to some of the nation’s largest refineries, and 16 other states have challenged in court the EPA’s assertion that greenhouse-gas emissions can be dangerous. No court has ruled on the issue.
Front Section, Pages 8 on 10/30/2010