Toxic Mike’s Record

Toxic Mike’s dismal environmental record doesn’t start or end with his efforts to thwart toxic air clean up. He has a long record opposing clean energy, sensible permitting for coal plants, and even trying to stop district attorneys from prosecuting environmental crimes. Below are a few highlights from his career.

Opposed Cleaner Air (2007) Opposed an amendment to HB 3732 that would have required TCEQ to review the cummulative effects of all pollution emissions when considering new permits for coal plants. Currently, TCEQ reviews and approves new permits as if they exist in a vacuum, and pretends that there are no other existing sources that may impact a regions air quality.

Voted Against Limiting Nuke Waste in Texas (2005). A floor amendment to SB 1667 would have restricted nuclear waste coming into Texas to only the three states in the original nuclear “compact” with Texas. Thanks to Jackson’s opposition to this amendment, Texas will now be our nation’s nuclear dumping ground. This was on top of several votes in the 2003 Session where Toxic Mike voted against: limiting amounts of the most radioactive waste coming to Texas and requiring nuclear waste dumps to carry adequate insurance and disaster funds.

Voted to Thwart Prosecutors from Prosecuting Enironmental Crimes (2003). Voted for SB 1265 which tied the hands of local district attorneys trying to prosecute environmental crimes, and instead gives bureaucrats in Austin the power. This bill was strongly opposed by District Attorney’s across the state, including the Harris County D.A..

Voted Twice Against Public Parks and Rivers (2003). SB 155 offered protection to Texas Rivers which were showing signs of erosion and decreased fish and vegetation due to the number of recreational motor vehicles (4-wheelers) tearing up the river beds. Jackson was one of 3 Senators who voted against considering this crucial legislation. When it was clear the bill was going to overwhelmingly pass, Toxic Mike supported an amendment to weaken it. Fortunately, he lost.

In addition to all of the above, Toxic Mike sponsored and supported efforts to: symplify and hasten the permitting process for polluters (HB 1228, 1997), let them off the hook for polluting our air and water (HB1239, 1997), and enthusiastically supported then Gov. Bush’s plan to “grandfather” the worst polluters in Texas. Jackson and Bush’s plan was ultimately defeated.