I'm hoping that someone in the Legislature will be willing to stand up and say that we are beginning to have some real health risks here in Texas. Otherwise, rural and poor areas of this state are going to end up bearing this burden. The bill's opponents argue that the threat posed to air quality by toxic dust from the batch plants justifies the need for public comment. But those seeking to defeat the bill maintain that all the legislation does is make it easier for companies to get their permits approved by the state. In response to testimony at last week's hearing, the bill was left pending at Brown's request.
Activists say the materials used in ready-mix concrete pose a high risk to human health.
Concrete dust contains crystalline silica and other known carcinogens as well as toxic heavy metals, including lead, which can cause respiratory problems and lead to severe consequences for people who suffer from asthma and other breathing disorders. And many of the chemicals in the dust can also taint water supplies. But Rainbow Materials owner Ramon Carrasquillo , an adjunct professor of civic engineering at UT, says those who oppose SB 546 as well as the Rainbow expansion don't understand how ready-mix concrete plants work. Carrasquillo was one of several industry reps who testified on behalf of the legislation, saying the bill would save citizens and companies both time and money. It does nothing but make sense.