Top Officials and Industry Experts Tackle Air Quality Issues

HOUSTON - Feb. 2, 2016 - PRLog -- The Honorable Jerry Mouton, Jr., Mayor of Deer Park, and the Honorable Stephen DonCarlos, Mayor of Baytown, will offer a unique perspective of how Ship Channel communities view Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental regulation during the 19^th annual Gulf Coast Air & Waste Management Association (http://www.awma-gcc.org/) (AWMA) Hot Air Topics Conference Feb. 11. The mayors will participate on a panel of five air quality experts to discuss Clean Air Act policy issues. Other panelists represent federal and state agencies.

Mayor Mouton and Mayor DonCarlos have previously represented community views through forums sponsored by the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region (http://www.allianceportregion.com/), an economic development corporation of more than 200 business members and 17 communities surrounding the Houston Ship Channel. The mayors and the Economic Alliance have shared air quality impacts in front of federal, state, and local audiences, including the United States House of Representatives.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for me to serve the City of Deer Park and the Economic Alliance – the constituents and industry I represent,” said Mayor Mouton. “I look forward to joining many air quality experts in a productive discussion about the current issues we face under the Clean Air Act.”

“It is critical that our local cities and organizations continue to stay involved in the Clean Air Act dialogue and the policy issues it poses,” added Mayor DonCarlos. “I am honored to represent the City of Baytown and the Economic Alliance at this conference. I look forward to joining in the conversation about air quality impacts on our communities and our local industry.”

In addition to the mayors, Economic Alliance member and renowned air quality expert, Jed Anderson, will be adding his knowledge to the conference. Anderson, principal attorney with The AL Law Group (http://www.allawgp.com/), will discuss current air issues and Clean Air Act reform and modernization. Anderson will be on a panel with other legal and industry representatives.

‘Our region and local industry faces many challenges under the current Clean Air Act,” said Anderson. “I have been championing Clean Air Act reform for more than a decade.  It’s time for Congress to simplify and transform the Clean Air Act to better prepare the U.S. for environmental and economic opportunities in a 21^st century world.  As a community, we can help Congress make this happen.”

The conference will take place at the Hilton Westchase in Houston on Thursday, February 11 beginning at 7 a.m. Anderson is scheduled for an 8:15 a.m. panel discussion with the mayors participating in a 1:15 p.m. panel discussion. For a complete list of speakers, visit http://www.awma-gcc.org/docs/HAT2016agenda.pdf