Sidebars for subscribers: Houston, we have a problem

Website fails and how they happen, what we might see in response

As a descendant of Scottish settlers, I am grateful to be producing this newsletter in Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. I understand that this territory is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, I recognize that the land I work and live on was stolen from these nations and I have been afforded privileges as a result. 

A new website was launched in Texas this week that “automatically assembles data from across TCEQ’s (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) labyrinthine website so that ordinary people and citizens groups can easily see where polluting projects are planned, file official comments and request public hearings.” 

There’s one important distinction here though: the website is not an official website for the agency but one built by a local environmental group frustrated with the official site.

An article written for Inside Climate News details how the official TCEQ website lists applications on separate pages by the type of hazard (air pollution, hazardous waste, water pollution) instead of by location. To find the location, readers have to open an attached PDF and wade through technical language and jargon to find what is planned for their community.

“This lack of transparency is an intentional policy decision by the TCEQ made to favor industrial development over community concerns,” Anthony D’Souza, research and policy coordinator at Air Alliance Houston said at the launch.

Community advocates in Houston have complained that they are being kept out of the process of approving permits. D’Souza says countless permits are approved without anyone even knowing. 

In its defence, TCEQ said it “values public participation” and posts permit application information online in accordance with state law. It said it was “always looking for ways to improve communication” and had included “website usability enhancements” in its 2024 budget request."