The French company that says its Houston-area chemical plant is spewing “noxious” smoke — and may explode — successfully pressed federal regulators to delay new regulations designed to improve safety procedures at chemical plants, according to federal records reviewed by International Business Times. The rules, which were set to go into effect this year, were halted by the Trump administration after a furious lobbying campaign by plant owner Arkema and its affiliated trade association, the American Chemistry Council, which represents a chemical industry that has poured tens of millions of dollars into federal elections.
The effort to stop the chemical plant safety rules was backed by top Texas Republican lawmakers, who have received big campaign donations from chemical industry donors.
Continue reading: Texas Republicans Helped Chemical Plant That Exploded Lobby Against Safety Rules
Related story: Grave new dangers emerge in Harvey’s wake
Not too surprised by this given, that since 1995 the Governor’s, Lt. Governor’s, and Attorney General’s offices have been Republicans hands-down, then in 2002, both Texas legislative chambers of Congress became majority Republican, making all legislation in Texas fully slanted Republican in all major offices and districts state-wide.
Robert, did I mention earlier (in another post) where Texas students have historically ranked in educational standards for the last several decades — these are now adults in Texas — and where Texas students rank today and over the last two decades? Did I also mention what percentage of Texans, from the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau, over the age of 24 have attained bachelor’s degrees? If not, only 18.3% of the total population! What does this suggest? Does it suggest highly cognitive voters that are able to recognize injustice, campaign schemes/scams, distorted facts and issues when around 81.7% of the population has only a HS diploma… or LOWER!? And I monitor these sorts of data tables and they certainly have NOT improved in any significant manner, especially when Texas public education is on the decline and charter and private (religious) education is on a steep quick rise.
So when a state has gullible, naive, ignorant, ill-informed voters over several decades and now approaching 2 or 3 generations, is it rocket-science to see what has happened in Texas and what will continue? 😔
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No, it certainly isn’t rocket science to see what has happened in Texas over several decades. With this particular chemical plant problem, a potential environmental crisis in the making, Texas’ gullible, naive, ignorant and ill-informed voters may be paying a lot more than just money to address.
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So very true Robert. 😔 Often ill-advised, ill-informed (uneducated) decisions during political campaigns and at the voting booths doesn’t show up until 2, 4, or 6 years later. The question then becomes… “Is it TOO LATE to rectify all the ripple-effects?“
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With the GOP in control of so many State houses I’m surprised there’s not child labor in the US
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Give them time, John.
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This is a man-made tragedy on so many counts. My heart weighs heavy for all those who now face such devastation and loss.
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Well said, Ros.
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As always and ever … $$$$ talks.
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Indeed.
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I hope the pro-corporate voters (who may unwittingly think they’re taking a stand on abortion) will soon begin to connect the dots.
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Professor Taboo commented that those Republican voters are a product of Texas’ poor education system.
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Life experience is an education, as well.
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