APril 29 - Proposed expansion of TX nuclear project faces high costs, report shows

SAN ANTONIO -- The proposed expansion of the South Texas Nuclear Project (STP) would cost as much as $22 billion, boost the cost of electricity for consumers and curtail investment in energy-efficiency programs and solar power, a report released today by Public Citizen finds.

Aug. 9 - Environmental groups and NuCoastal Power announce precedent-setting agreement

A precedent-setting agreement announced today paves the way for the permitting of a 303-megawatt power plant in return for the plant owner’s commitment to offset 100 percent of the plant’s mercury and global warming emissions. The Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, Public Citizen and the NuCoastal Power Corporation forged the agreement for the plant, which would burn petroleum coke as fuel and would be located at the site of the old Ennis Joslin power plant in Port Comfort, Texas.

May 14 - Public Citizen speaks at Texas House committee about needle exchange programs

Dr. Peter Lurie, deputy director of the Health Research Group at Public Citizen, will be testifying Monday at 8:00 p.m. CST before the Texas House Public Health Committee about SB 308, which would allow for the creation of community needle exchange programs using private or local funding.

Feb. 28 - Environmental and health organizations release study documenting commuters’ exposure to harmful diesel particles

Fine particle pollutants released from the exhaust of diesel-powered vehicles pose a major health risk to commuters in Austin and other cities across the nation, according to a new report released today by the nonprofit Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and produced with assistance by Public Citizen’s Texas office.

Feb. 26 - Environmentalists win three big battles in TXU coal fight, but concerns remain

Statement of Tom “Smitty” Smith, Director of Public Citizen’s Texas Office

Nov. 21 - New analysis tallies premature deaths from proposed coal-fired power plants in Texas

Pollution from 19 proposed coal-fired power plants in Texas could cause as many as 240 additional deaths each year and as many as 12,000 over the plants’ expected 50-year lifespans, according to a new analysis released today by health and environmental groups. The study comes just days before preliminary hearings are scheduled to begin on permit applications for 8 new TXU coal plants.

Nov. 1 - Texas consumers lose 700 million dollars over past ten months to TXU and Reliant's exorbitant energy prices

A Public Citizen analysis of natural gas data from the past two years collected by the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) shows that the two largest deregulated electric companies have been charging far more for electricity than natural gas prices would dictate under a regulated market.

Oct. 24 - New study shows coal gasification in proposed power plants could dramatically reduce air pollution in Texas

A Public Citizen study released today shows that emissions from 18 proposed coal plants in Texas could be reduced by 70 to 90 percent if modern coal gasification technologies are used.

May 22 - Don't lower Texas speed limit, groups urge

On the eve of a critical highway safety vote in Texas, two groups are urging members of the Texas Transportation Commission to maintain existing posted speed limits throughout the state. In a letter submitted today to the Texas Transportation Commission, Public Citizen and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety urged commissioners not to raise the speed limit to 80 mph in some parts of the state.

April 21- Citizens demonstrate opposition to TXU announcement to build new coal fired power units

TXU's announcement on Thursday that they plan to build 11 additional coal burning power units met serious opposition from those concerned about health care and air emissions

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