Ash Grove cement firm an anti-green bully
Dallas Morning News editorial
03:33 PM CST on Friday, December 5, 2008
The city of Dallas blazed a green trail in 2007 when it created a policy that gave purchasing preference to cement kilns that use cleaner technology.
Since then, several other North Texas cities have passed similar environmentally conscious resolutions.
Now, one cement company is crying foul. Ash Grove Texas LP is suing cities with green cement policies, contending that these clean-air efforts violate the company's constitutional rights. Who knew that our forefathers ranked the right to pollute up there with due process and free speech?
The company, which relies on older wet-process kilns, blames Dallas for being the Pied Piper of enviro-friendly cities and compelling other governments to go green. The nerve.
When it comes to clearing North Texas' ozone-choked air, local leaders have only limited options. In a state that has fought environmental regulations at almost every turn, city councils have been forced to get creative in crafting their own policies. Dallas, Arlington, Plano, Fort Worth and other local governments wisely recognized that pollution has a price. Green cement regulations sent the message to companies that investing in clean technology would pay dividends.
For its part, Ash Grove has emphasized its efforts to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. The company has taken some steps to reduce pollution and actually was recognized with an award from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition.
But instead of building upon these efforts, Ash Grove is throwing a legal tantrum, stomping its feet and demanding most-favored kiln status.
The company's lawsuit was filed as at least three other cities were poised to consider similar cement resolutions. Instead of trying to scare cities off, Ash Grove would be better served to continue its push to reduce emissions and bolster its case for being a preferred supplier.
The company's lawyer derided the green cement policies as coming under the "slogan of cleaner air." But as cities that have used the power of the purse to reduce pollution demonstrate, clean air isn't just a slogan – it's serious business.
03:33 PM CST on Friday, December 5, 2008
The city of Dallas blazed a green trail in 2007 when it created a policy that gave purchasing preference to cement kilns that use cleaner technology.
Since then, several other North Texas cities have passed similar environmentally conscious resolutions.
Now, one cement company is crying foul. Ash Grove Texas LP is suing cities with green cement policies, contending that these clean-air efforts violate the company's constitutional rights. Who knew that our forefathers ranked the right to pollute up there with due process and free speech?
The company, which relies on older wet-process kilns, blames Dallas for being the Pied Piper of enviro-friendly cities and compelling other governments to go green. The nerve.
When it comes to clearing North Texas' ozone-choked air, local leaders have only limited options. In a state that has fought environmental regulations at almost every turn, city councils have been forced to get creative in crafting their own policies. Dallas, Arlington, Plano, Fort Worth and other local governments wisely recognized that pollution has a price. Green cement regulations sent the message to companies that investing in clean technology would pay dividends.
For its part, Ash Grove has emphasized its efforts to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. The company has taken some steps to reduce pollution and actually was recognized with an award from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition.
But instead of building upon these efforts, Ash Grove is throwing a legal tantrum, stomping its feet and demanding most-favored kiln status.
The company's lawsuit was filed as at least three other cities were poised to consider similar cement resolutions. Instead of trying to scare cities off, Ash Grove would be better served to continue its push to reduce emissions and bolster its case for being a preferred supplier.
The company's lawyer derided the green cement policies as coming under the "slogan of cleaner air." But as cities that have used the power of the purse to reduce pollution demonstrate, clean air isn't just a slogan – it's serious business.
posted by Downwinders At Risk at
11:26 AM
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