Texas' status as top polluter not likely to change soon

http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2008/1/17/Texasstatusastoppolluternotlikelytochangesoon.aspx

Texas' status as top polluter not likely to change soon

The Associated Press

1/17/2008

AUSTIN, Texas — Texans' fondness for gas-guzzling trucks and the cool summertime relief of air-conditioners has helped make the state the top source of greenhouse gases in the nation.
"I would definitely put size and safety over the emissions thing," said Debbie Howden, a 55-year-old Austin real estate agent whose family of six has two pickup trucks, three SUVs and offers no apologies. She calls their high fuel bills a "necessary evil."

>>>>>>

A multitude of factors contribute to the carbon output, among them: Texas' 19 coal-burning power plants; a heavy concentration of refineries and chemical plants; a lack of mass transit; and a penchant for big rigs.

>>>>>

Texans polled last spring listed the Iraq war and immigration as the nation's most pressing issues, with fewer than 4 percent saying the environment was a top concern. Nationally, slightly less than half of Americans polled by the Pew Research Center last year rated global warming as a "very serious" problem. Of those, 55 percent say it requires immediate government action.

<<<<<<<<

Kirk Pingel, 28, said his Chevy Trailblazer gets about 18 miles per gallon on the highway, but high gas prices don't deter him: "I'd rather have the luxury of the car I want instead of a car that gets good gas mileage but maybe I didn't want that car."

Pingel coaches youth football and basketball teams and said the extra space in his SUV is useful for transporting sports equipment. His theory on why Texans love their trucks and SUVs? "The larger the car, the bigger you feel," he said.

More at:
http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2008/1/17/Texasstatusastoppolluternotlikelytochangesoon.aspx