Port Houston has developed a Clean Air Strategy for the first time in more than a decade. But the strategy put forth sets only skimpy goals to reduce health-harming pollution. In addition, it provides no way to measure progress, no funding, and no real commitments.
What’s at stake?
Port Houston is one of the busiest in the world and also one of Houston’s largest sources of pollution. Children living within two miles of the Ship Channel are 56 percent more likely to develop childhood leukemia than children living 10 miles away, one study found. Another found that Manchester residents are nearly 25 percent more likely to develop cancer and respiratory diseases than other Houstonians.
Port Houston has long ignored the health of people in the region it claims to serve. The new Clean Air Strategy only confirms it. The strategy is as outdated as the dirty, diesel-powered equipment, trucks, and trains that pollute the air nearby communities are breathing.
The Port can’t be a vital part of our region’s future if their commissioners and management repeat mistakes and shrink from the responsibility to protect the health of everyone.
Take action
The Port Authority is taking comments on the Clean Air Strategy through Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
They need to hear from you.SEND AN EMAIL TO THE PORT COMMISSIONERS