Approval likely would spur a barrage of legal challenges from opponents, some of whom have already sued in federal court to stop the project. Both sides have vowed to continue the struggle, which has raged since the state first began looking for a dump site 15 years ago. The dispute spilled into the streets of Austin as anti-dump activists marched on the governor's mansion and a group of Mexican congressmen continued a hunger strike. Mexico has protested the dump, which would be less than 20 miles from the Rio Grande. Congress has approved a compact allowing Maine and Vermont to use the dump as well.
Supporters say the proposed site is safe.
Opponents contend the Sierra Blanca site poses a hazard because it sits in the most seismically active region of the state and above a key source of groundwater for West Texas communities. Bill introduced in Legislature authorizing negotiation of a compact allowing Maine and Vermont to use future Texas dump. Maine adopts compact pending approval of U.S. Congress. Vermont adopts compact pending approval of U.S. Congress. Texas conservation commission issues preliminary dump license for public review and comment.