Rep. Armando Walle, Sen. Carol Alvarado Release Statement on Final Passage of Key Concrete Batch Plant Legislation (HB 1768/SB 2351)

(Austin, TEXAS) –Today, Senate Bill 2351 by Sen. Carol Alvarado (companion to House Bill 1768 by Rep. Armando Walle) finally passed the Texas House and is on its way to the Governor for final approval. The legislation directly addresses issues related to concrete batch plants across the state.

SB 2351 is the product of collaboration between legislators, community interests and industry representatives. Currently, a prospective concrete batch plant operator may be granted a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) that gives them 18 months to begin construction on the plant. If they do not meet that deadline, they can request up to two additional 18-month extensions from TCEQ.

With this legislation, if a concrete plant operator wishes to extend their initial permit, TCEQ may require them to update the plant’s construction plans in accordance with the most recent amendment of the standard air permit.

Rep. Armando Walle (HD 140) released the following statement:

“I am grateful to all of the folks who came together from all sides of this issue to support this good public policy that helps our constituents, the industry and the overseeing agency. We’ve seen firsthand how this issue affects plants in our district, and we’re proud to have helped craft a balanced solution. Sen. Alvarado and I are steadfast champions on this issue, and will continue to fight for clean air, fair business practices, and supportive agency oversight to protect the Texans we serve.”

Sen. Carol Alvarado (SD 10) issued the following statement:

“I was proud to partner with Representative Walle to create policy that brings long-needed accountability to the operators of these plants. Aldine, and every community beset by concrete batch plants, knows that more needs to be done. Next session, and every session, I am committed to advancing legislation to ensure that every neighborhood breathes clean air.”