Environmental Law

On December 3, 2009, the TCEQ released its fiscal year 2009 enforcements accomplishments report.  You will note that I have previously blogged on how I thought Texas lagged in enforcement activity.  While bragging about the total penalties assessed, there is no mention (similar to the USEPA) as to how much of the penalties assessed were actually collected. 

In short, the TCEQ:

1.    Issued 1,756 administrative orders (up from 1,624 the previous year);

2.    Issued penalties totaling $14,524,544.00;

3.    Conducted 106,758 investigations;

4.    Investigated 4,875 complaints;

5.    ?Finalized? 12 criminal cases (17 convictions against 12 individuals and five corporations).

You can see the Report in its entirety here http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/compliance/enforcement/enf_reports/AER/FY09/enfrptfy09.pdf

More later.

As always, feel free to contact me via e-mail at walter.james@jamespllc.com.

WDJiii