Environmental groups in Texas asked Gov. Rick Perry to replace Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Chair Kathleen White Tuesday morning.
A letter was sent to Gov. Perry on Tuesday asking for a new commissioner who is more responsive to the public, respectful to state and federal law and better able to meet tough challenges with the environmental issues in Texas.
"We need enforcement, like penalties from emission. White has done nothing to do this," said Karen Hadden of the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Coalition. "Cities and universities have come up with data to reduce toxic gases, and no significant progress has come out. The governor needs to appoint a leader who will do something, instead of 'close is good enough.'"
The groups said White wrote a letter in April stating her opposition to lowering the ozone layer standard, which could lead to increases in smog and mercury.
"As a chairman, she has clearly been told about the proceedings and was aware it was a decision that was pending," said a spokesperson in response to White's letter. "She sent a letter that science was not found, and we do not want this."
White, whose term ends on Aug. 31, has not yet sought reappointment, Smith said. Those opposed to White are concerned she will be in office for much longer if Perry lags in finding a replacement.
"The previous commissioner remained in office 18 months after the term was over because the governor didn't appoint someone else," said Ken Kramer of the Sierra Club.
At this time, the groups involved in the letter do not know of anyone to replace White, but they noted that Perry's appointment office has a very large screening office that could list thousands of individuals who may fit the bill.
"At some point, someone has to be responsible for air pollution. This should be Chairman of TCEQ," said Tom "Smitty" Smith, director of Public Citizen's Texas office. "We are giving Perry a clear mission. It is his responsibility to act when others have not."
White could not be reached for comment.
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