August 16, 2012 

Environmental Protection Agency 

Clean Air Rule Hearing 

Arlington City Council Chambers 

To Conveners of Hearing: 

Thank you for providing this input from citizens affected directly by proposed changes in the current 

schedule for 2013 implementation of Particulate Matter Standards for cement kilns. 

From recent readings in area documents and newspapers I quote a frequently expressed statement: 

·economics depends on sound environment and healthy communities." That has been my mantra since I 

became politically active in Dallas County in the late 1960's and 70's and then in Tarrant County from the 

late SO's on. 1973 is the earliest date in my files for a letter addressed to EPA regarding air quality. 

The earliest item in my files regarding burning of hazardous waste for fuel at cement kilns is dated 

1988. I have advocated multiple times for regulation of this harmful fuel's use. That is 24 years in 

which people have been subjected to breathing hazardous particles in order to make cement to fuel the 

economy. And they want two more years and EPA wants to give it to them? What a travesty! How 

about a sincere apology and just get on with cleaning the air? 

The concept of economic success without sound environment and health is an anomaly. It is abnormal. 

Providing escape clauses for the cement kiln industry puts the burden on the breathing public. 

As an asthmatic my costs for one year's worth of medicine co-pay, plus drug insurance is $2,000. That 

is money which I do not have to spend for the metroplex economy's benefit. That money, due to my 

available drug insurance, goes to Kansas and California. This bag is a 3 months supply of my medicine. 

Perhaps you look at me and say well she looks healthy, so it couldn't be too bad for her. Well, I am 

among the fortunate able to fund my help. There are additional local medical visits and check-ups which 

I have not calculated in that $2,000. Perhaps local doctor/medical expenses are figured as a positive 

for the local economy. Sometimes I wonder why I am not already dead; I did almost die once in the 

1980's from an anaphylactic reaction after a preventive injection. 

Additional costs due to poor air quality come from donations from caring people to the many social 

service agencies to assist those with no insurance and little income; and also property taxes to support 

county and local public health agencies. 

Among our citizens, so many exhibit breathing problems, which is especially worrisome among the young. 

Our schools and society are having to deal with these costly issues in ways which truly hamstring the 

almighty altar of economic development; not to mention the future of the individuals involved, which in 

the final analysis is much more important than the god of ·economic Development." 
• 

I greatly appreciate Downwinders and its leaders for their steadfast effort on this regional shame. 

Kudos also to Earth Justice for their leadership on this. I have been a donor to them since 1983. 

They have been the citizen's lawyer against activities by industry which defy the goal of a sound 

environment and healthy communities. 

In this case today, the decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals eight months ago should stand as is without 

any weakening. To now delay compliance with rules which EPA has proposed is not an option. 

Thank you, 

Julia Burgen, 2312 Winewood Lane, Arlington, TX 76013 

BA, SMU, 1956, Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa; MS. UTA, Interdisciplinary Studies, 1986, emphasis on science and 

education: Member of Arlington City Council, 1997- 2003; President of Arlington Conservation Council, 1993 - 1997; 40 year 

member of national Sierra Club and Audubon Society; recipient of three statewide awards for conservation activities and one 

national award.