| Houston, Texas – The Harris County Attorney’s Office joined a nationwide coalition to provide the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notice of its intent to sue for its failure to comply with the Federal Clean Air Act. This notification comes after the EPA revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2024 and failed to properly classify Harris County’s air quality, which should accurately reflect the county’s poor air quality. “The EPA has a duty to ensure the health and safety of all communities. By failing to properly implement the scientific standards it created, the EPA is knowingly preventing the design and implementation of a plan that would improve air quality," said County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne. "If the EPA does not take this opportunity to do what they are mandated to do, we intend to move forward with a lawsuit." “Every Harris County resident has the right to breathe clean air, but our residents breathe some of the dirtiest air in the country. This is taking a toll on families in neighborhoods like Settegast, where residents are unfairly burdened with the highest levels of pollution in the state and the lowest life expectancy in the county. It’s clear that the Trump EPA is purposely failing to protect vulnerable communities from unchecked pollution—that’s why Harris County is leading the fight for clean air in the courts and our communities," said Commissioner Rodney Ellis “Clean air is not optional — it’s fundamental to the health and future of Harris County families. In Precinct 2, where residents are uniquely impacted by the density of industry, major thoroughfares, and other significant pollution sources, the stakes are especially high. I’m proud of our County Attorney’s Office for stepping up to hold the EPA accountable and ensure our community receives the protections it deserves under the Clean Air Act," said Commissioner Adrian Garcia
“Everyone has a right to breathe clean air — free of dangerous, life-threatening pollutants. Yet every day our children live under threat from facilities that emit particulate matter, silica dust, and diesel exhaust, all known to harm developing lungs, trigger asthma, and cause lasting health issues. The Trump Administration’s decision to roll back key climate protections puts our community’s collective health and safety at risk. While the federal government protects polluters, Harris County will fight to protect families," said Commissioner Lesley Briones Harris County has previously opposed the Trump EPA’s move to completely erase the Biden EPA determination that more stringent NAAQS protections were needed. Exposure to these particles has been linked to numerous health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Harris County fine particulate matter pollution levels exceed the federal standard set to protect human health and the environment, but the EPA disregarded this and has yet to make an attainment or non-attainment designation. |