State Representative Poncho Nevarez requests Railroad Commission to deny Eagle Pass Mine permit
By: Jose G. Landa
Texas State Representative Alfonso ‘Poncho’ Nevarez has written a letter to the three Railroad Commission of Texas Commissioners, dated January 23, 2013, requesting them to deny Dos Republicas Coal Partnership ‘s application to renew, revise, and expand Permit 42-A, Eagle Pass Mine, in Maverick County, Texas, which is set for final hearing before the Commission on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. in Austin, Texas.
State Representative Nevarez states ” this mining project bordering Eagle Pass would create a danger to the air and water quality of Eagle Pass and surrounding communities.”
Nevarez adds that ” the City of Eagle Pass, Maverick County, Maverick County Environmental and Public Health Association, Maverick County Hospital District, and many local landowners are unified in their stance against this open surface coal mine due to its negative ramifications to Texas, including the dangers to air, water, land, and health of its citizens. By approving this permit for this mine, the health of our most innocent would be at risk as the mine is neighboring Pete Gallego Elementary School.”
Nevarez further states that “the coal generated from the mine will be used by the Mexican government and burned at their power plants that border the U.S., resulting in toxic emissions to Big Bend National Park. Therefore, not only will Texas pay the consequences of this mine through endangering air and water quality, but Texas will receive no energy benefits, as the coal will be solely used in Mexico.”
Nevarez adds that ” the proposed open surface coal mine will contaminate the Rio Grande River as waste water from the site will be disposed of in the Rio Grande River and Elm Creek, which is only 2 miles from the Eagle Pass water intake used for drinking water.”
Nevarez concludes “I respectfully request that the above referenced permit be denied due to the fact that the negative aspects of this coal mine will greatly outweigh its benefits “
