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class="cell w-8 main_column"> <article> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/">Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 16 Jun 2015 18:51:07 -0500" title="2015-06-16 18:51"> June 16, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/comments/"><span class="value">47</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <aside> <ul class="social_links"> <li class="comment"> <a href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/comments/" title=""> <i class="icon-comments-alt"></i> <span>Comment</span> </a> </li> <li class="republish"> <a href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/content/republish/88331/"> <i class="icon-share"></i> <span>Republish</span> </a> </li> <li class="email"> <a href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b08fc3c5d2dad5d3c48de4d8d5958280e4d5c8d1c3958280e4c2d9d2c5ded58a958280f1d2d2dfc4c4958280e3d9d7dec3958280f2d9dcdc958280c4df958280fcd9Xmit%20Pollution%20Lawsuits&body=I%20read an article%20that%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20at%20The%20Texas%20Tribune:%20Abbott%20Signs%20Bill%20to%20Limit%20Pollution%20Lawsuits%2C%20by%20Jim Malewitz.%20http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/%0DGov.%20Greg%20Abbott%20has%20signed%20legislation%20that%20could%20make%20it%20tougher%20for%20local%20governments%20to%20sue%20big-time%20polluters%20%26ndash%3B%20an%20effort%20that%20largely%20targets%20Harris%20County%20prosecutors.%26nbsp%3B%0D%0A%26nbsp%3B" title="" class="email"> <i class="icon-envelope"></i> <span>Email</span> </a> </li> <li class="twitter"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://twitter.com/share?text=Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits&url=http://trib.it/1GLWFea&via=TexasTribune&related=TexasTribune,TribData"> <i class="icon-twitter"></i> <span>Tweet</span> </a> </li> <li class="facebook"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/"> <i class="icon-facebook"></i> <span>Recommend</span> </a> </li> </ul> </aside> <div class="content"> <p><sub>Editor's note: This story has been updated.</sub></p> <p>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> has signed legislation that could make it tougher for local governments to sue big-time polluters – an effort that largely targets Harris County prosecutors. </p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://txlege.texastribune.org/84/bills/HB1794/">House Bill 1794</a>, set to become law on Sept. 1, will set a five-year statute of limitations and cap payouts at about $2 million when counties sue companies that have fouled their water or air. It’s another win for a wide range of business groups in a rough legislative session for environmental advocates.</p> <p>Rep. <a title="" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/charlie-geren/">Charlie Geren</a>, R-Fort Worth, and Sen. <a title="" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kelly-hancock/">Kelly Hancock</a>, R-North Richland Hills ...</p> <p><a id="content_more" href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/" class="more" title="Read full story">Full Story</a></p> </div> </article> <div id="comment_policy"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h1>Comment Policy</h1> </header> <p> The Texas Tribune is pleased to provide the opportunity for you to share your observations about this story. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask that you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or wandering away from the topic at hand. To comment, you must be a registered user of the Tribune, and your user name will be displayed. Thanks for taking time to offer your thoughts. </p> <p class="anonymous_message"> <strong>You must be logged in to leave a comment.</strong> <a href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/accounts/login/?next=">Login</a> <script> (function(){ var allScripts = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), currentScript = allScripts[allScripts.length - 1], node = currentScript; while (node = node.previousSibling) { if (node.nodeName == "A"){ node.href += document.location.pathname; break; } }; })(); </script> | <a href="/web/20150621165923/http://www.texastribune.org/accounts/register/">Sign-Up</a> </p> </div> <section id="comments_container" class="sidebar_block"> <header> <h1>Comments (47)</h1> </header> <ul class="comments"> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000032522362"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100000032522362/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 6:53 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000032522362">Charles Comer</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Protecting corporations from damages done to people.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10229902"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/10229902/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 6:55 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10229902">Libby Ferguson</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Sounds like a bullshit law to me.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1344469912"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1344469912/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 6:57 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1344469912">Connie Conley Hudson</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">And Abbott's personal pocketbook wins again!</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38602029"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/38602029/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 6:58 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38602029">Alex Caple</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">What happens if the clean-up costs more than 2 million? Do I pay for it?</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1718802795"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1718802795/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 6:58 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1718802795">Jim Burke</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Another ridiculous law to protect corporations that damage and possibly destroy an environment.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000034164036"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100000034164036/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:04 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000034164036">Toni Rayner</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">damn.. $2M limit. Is that punitive? Repairing the damage would likely START at $2M. >:-(</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=723545006"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/723545006/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:09 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=723545006">John Cobarruvias</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">That probably killed any future legal actions.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:12 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> Marty Jamieson </span> </p> <p class="comment">Environmentalists beg to differ. With other critics, they say state environmental regulators don’t do enough to hold polluters accountable, and that limiting local suits would encourage more pollution that jeopardizes public health. <br/><br/>“It is a terrible bill, and it is designed to protect polluters,” Terry O’Rourke, special counsel with the Harris County attorney’s office, told The Texas Tribune last month. “That’s all it is: It is a polluter protection bill.”<br/><br/>Well Govenor.....<br/>You have gone and done it again....<br/>Removed the right of cities to protect their citizens....Harris county could have a bounty on your head.<br/><br/>You have taken away the capability of cities to restrict fracking and the effect is in north Texas.<br/>I know it does not make you quake in your pants.<br/><br/>All we have is the air/water/soil to raise our food and families.<br/>You have injured everyone in Texas.<br/><br/>You rave at the federal government taking rights from states.<br/>Yet,<br/>You have done worst.<br/><br/>We now fear for more guns and ammo toted on testosterone driven males , even as we study on campus.<br/><br/><br/>This is not what we need...<br/><br/>Your vision of Texas is not is needed..... Bought and paid for ....</p> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1471895588"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1471895588/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:12 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1471895588">Ralph Barron III</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Maybe his kids will contract something from the water</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1521116411"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1521116411/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:15 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1521116411">James Dowmont</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Small government. Local control.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1793738455"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1793738455/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:20 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1793738455">Tom Braun</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">I never thought I'd see the day that I was wishing for the good old days of Rick Perry. Abbott and the Republican legislature are bought and paid for stooges for oil and gas and big business and corporate interests. We are in big trouble</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009778051696"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100009778051696/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:20 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009778051696">Jose Rosa</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">whoo-hoo!! dear communities that got polluted - you have "5 years" to sue ... and only up to $2million - total. Please continue to Vote Republican!!</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=516408041"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/516408041/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:25 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=516408041">Stu Berkowitz</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Abbott, along with his TeaThuglican cronies and the stupid, er, supermajority in the Texas Lege, are pollution on the Lone Star State, and on our (once-) great nation. SMH!</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1385587493"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1385587493/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:27 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1385587493">Alicia Reddick Helton</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">I do not understand how Gov. Abbott and the legislators can live with themselves.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002171540610"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100002171540610/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:28 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002171540610">Edward De La Cruz</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Yea, keep voting Republican. All you get for that is a state government which protects corporations above Texans.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000692960405"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100000692960405/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:31 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000692960405">Paul Kirtley</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">What kind of Governor does this? Imagine the damage Abbott is going to orchestrate in his tenure. He's just getting started.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=686800406"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/686800406/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:32 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=686800406">Kerry Brix</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">This is pure Abbott. Denying the majority of citizens legal recourse when disasters often take years to realize and uncover.<br/>What happened to the Superfind sites</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1387939049"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1387939049/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:37 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1387939049">Anastacia Uriegas</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Those companies are the ones who funded his stupid campaign. They're so transparent about their greed and they keeping getting voted in.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000848575173"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100000848575173/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:38 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000848575173">Dave Mott</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">the shithole that is texas gets shittier. not news.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1319203605"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1319203605/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:44 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1319203605">Misty Hendon</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Well that's just perfect!! I tried to tell these Texans how bad this guy was but noooooo. They don't listen</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=600887883"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/600887883/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:44 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=600887883">Judy Handwork Panasci</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">And 50 years down the line....when Texas is the armpit of the nation due to pollution .... and all our state has been fouled by corporate American greed....who will save Texas....</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002749891733"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100002749891733/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:51 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002749891733">Dan Mustarde</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Geren (Tarrant County) is my House Rep...his barbecue restaurant is about a mile from where I live. Why is he so interested in pollution lawsuits in Harris County?</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1603867230"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1603867230/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:51 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1603867230">Michael Thomas</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Worst governor ever.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1075480615"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1075480615/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:53 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1075480615">Marty Ellis Cates</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">This state is going straight to hell. I can't believe how ignorant republicans are.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563786018"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/563786018/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 7:54 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563786018">D.j. Saunders</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Sickening considering the loser Abbott sued someone and won and does not expect others to do the same. We should all sue his a**.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1345210108"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1345210108/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 8:12 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1345210108">Carla Pope-Osborne</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">This is not a good thing. Counties: Pay Attention</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1162185322"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1162185322/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 8:31 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1162185322">Triena Rogers</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Another slap in the face from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, protecting his greedy corporate cronies, just another blow to the people who truly love Texas and fight for a healthy living environment left for our future generations . I agree with Alex Caple. "What happens if the clean-up costs more than 2 million? " By not holding contaminators both infinitely and 100% accountable for the fouling of our water and air the affected cities/counties' eco-system suffers uncalculated and often irreparable damage. This damage clean up has to be paid by someone, so it is hidden and rolled into some future legislation and directly assessed to the individual taxpayers in increased taxes. Clean ups, predictably, are an annual and recurring process, far exceeding the $2 million mark. Do I pay for it?" Yes, that's how these things go. Abbott doesn't even care that we already know this. <br/><br/>How do we impeach him? There will be nothing left of the people's Texas if we leave him to fulfill the term. ~ Triena Rogers<br/><br/>http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1845011501"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1845011501/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 8:36 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1845011501">Steve Anderson</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Don't like the law, change it moron! Company profits are more important than people having clean air and water'</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003241457489"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100003241457489/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 8:43 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003241457489">Aaron V Jordan</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Welcome to Texas! Where big businesses are free to pollute our water & our air & cause earthquakes with impunity! All in the name of corporate profits!</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005816286854"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100005816286854/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 8:46 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005816286854">MG Hicks</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Well when all the politicians bank accounts are full, and the state of Texas is a waste land, will the people continue to pull the lever for the repugs !!</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=697683075"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/697683075/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 8:56 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=697683075">Garrick Stephens</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">We need politicians and representatives who protect the people of Texas and our environment... Not corporate hacks...</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1184423059"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/1184423059/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 9 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1184423059">Craig Dävis</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Dat tort reform tho. I'm sure just like the reform during the Bush goobernatorial years, even if the jury awards you $2M the judge can cut that down to mere pocket change. <br/>Remember, the GOP is all about the people. /s</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007275695619"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100007275695619/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 9:24 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007275695619">Richard Holcomb</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Have we not learned anything from West, Texas? Have we not learned from the BP oil spill? Have we not learned from the earthquakes caused by fracking? According to our elected officials, no. Sad, really, since Texas is really a blue state. Lazy Democrats need to voted and Republicans need to educate themselves more than just watching Fox News.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000014221339"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100000014221339/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 10:12 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000014221339">John Navarro</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">What did one expect...taxpayers who think the GOP is on their side will ultimately have to pay the cost of private pollution and its remediation once again...and these will not be the rich taxpayers but the middle class. We are such fools to trust these legislators to do the right thing. Once again they work to benefit the private sector at the expense of the wana-bees!</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000259027873"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100000259027873/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 16 @ 10:16 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000259027873">Patrick Decker</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Now we all can see who Governor Abbott and the Texas legislature REALLY care about.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 12:10 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> Chris Jonsson </span> </p> <p class="comment">Might as well leave Texas to the corporations to destroy and cut our losses.</p> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005070583123"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100005070583123/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 1:39 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005070583123">Troy Riddle</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">They take the statue of limitations away from criminal law so they can prosecute a person anytime for any crime, but then put one on the books to protect a corporation. Abbott is corrupt for this move and also against the people. What a fake!</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2601761"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/2601761/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 4:32 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2601761">Jerry P Abraham</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">we get the government we elected...the government we deserve.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=508102565"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/508102565/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 6:48 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=508102565">Alicia Butler</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Brought to you by the same folks who won't let a local government ban polluting activities (fracking) if the polluters have good lobbyists and make nice campaign donations.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003014366200"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100003014366200/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 7:36 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003014366200">Belinda J. Rodriguez</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Once again, another Texas Governor that has our best interests in mind, just like Perry & Bush before him. Oh wait, I forgot I am not one of the big oil or gas companies. What happens when the cleanup is more than $2 million, who will be responsible then. Oh Abbott, you disgust me.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005896570195"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100005896570195/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 9:40 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005896570195">Jakki Lisa Deery-Riggs</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Because limiting pollution isn't important. Asshat Abbott strikes again.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 10:11 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> Cleatus Wt </span> </p> <p class="comment">Makes sense to extend Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" all the way to Houston... I mean, that's where everyone ends up going (MD Anderson).</p> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 10:21 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> D W </span> </p> <p class="comment">well if it costs more than $2 million, it doesnt get cleaned up. the company has no incentive to do so, and the state has no money to do it, nor will the feds. and as longs as its not where the 1% live, it will just be a polluted mess. i guess its one way to control population. and make it easier (not) to attract companies to move to Texas (since employees dont want live in the midst poison . but then it only counts if employers care about such. some bigger companies do. most dont. and the jobs we tend to attract, it doesnt matter much. cause employers know they can get a new employee easily to replace one that died or was hurt. and we employers dont even have to ensure that their injured workers get help.)</p> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=164739130225295"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/164739130225295/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 10:36 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=164739130225295">McPherson LawFirm, PC</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Actually, this bill is intended to bring some sort of consistency and equal protection to this area of the law. When the TCEQ sues a polluter, it is required to follow its penalty policy, which takes into account the severity and other particulars of the pollution. That policy is public information, and it helps bring about equal penalties across the state. This statute that counties use allows them to avoid using the penalty policy, so you end up with arbitrary penalties in relation to the damage done. I have defended businesses in both forums-TCEQ and penalty policy, county without penalty policy. It's not fair, substantively nor procedurally. Add to this the fact that in most of these cases the counties hire their lawyers on a contingency fee basis, where the lawyer is incentivized not to be fair, or mete out equal justice, but to simply obtain the largest possible penalty. Would you like to be the target of a county in these circumstances? The abuse of this system produced this bill. I predict it will not be the last of its kind.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 11:21 a.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> PAULA DENMON </span> </p> <p class="comment">I understand how Abbott and Republican legislators care only about the money they get from big oil and vote to protect polluters now... its all about them. But what about their CHILDREN and GRANDCHILDREN? </p> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002427406693"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923im_/http://graph.facebook.com/100002427406693/picture?type=square"/> </a> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 1:13 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002427406693">Mike Veal</a> </span> via <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837">Texas Tribune on Facebook</a> </p> <p class="comment">Texas wants to show the world that they don't give a crap about any stinking environmental concerns. If a business pollutes your only source of drinking water, no big deal. Just think of the jobs.</p> <ul class="actions clearfix"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/https://www.facebook.com/texastribune/posts/10153306646980837"><span>+</span> Reply</a></li> </ul> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> <li> <div class="comment_author_image"> </div> <div class="comment_body"> <div class="comment_time"> June 17 @ 8:33 p.m. </div> <p class="byline"> <span class="author"> Jim Vance </span> </p> <p class="comment">Can Abbott yet spell either "neofascist" or "sleazebag"...?</p> </div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> </li> </ul> </section> </div> <div class=" rail cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <section class="trib_newsletter"> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165923/http://texastribune.us3.list-manage2.com/subscribe/post?u=3d0ce87edeeb6df90043897db&id=68501b81bf" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate> <header> <h2>Sign Up for The 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