Houston Mayor Bill White recently proposed a benzene reduction plan that would include negotiating voluntary agreements with petrochemical facilities outside of the city limits. Mayors of several cities east of Houston (including my hometown, Baytown) lashed out at the proposal, claiming that White was overstepping his authority.

On Thursday, March 15, 2007 White met with the other mayors and apparently came to an agreement on the issue, according to an article in the Houston Chronicle.

"It's a really big day in the region," White said after the closed-door summit with the mayors of Pasadena, La Porte, Deer Park, Baytown, Morgans Point and Galena Park. Precinct 2 Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia also attended.

The mayors reportedly decided on a three-prong approach, the main component of which would be the formation of a regional task force that will come up with a plan to achieve cleaner air, better health and economic growth for the region.

The other two planks in the mayors' agreement dealt with encouraging the state to make more use of infrared cameras for detecting plant emissions and holding public forums to discuss scientific data.

If this is truly a cooperative effort, rather than another attempt at stalling pollution control efforts, then it has the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of the people who live in the industrial areas east of Houston.

But I'm a bit skeptical. These towns tend to view these large companies as very esteemed citizens and benefactors. I have a much less charitable view of this cozy relationship - but I'll refrain from detailing it here. At any rate, few of these towns are flourishing, and their leaders need to realize that they've been sacrificing their long-term economic growth for short-term benefits. Petrochemical facilities can and SHOULD do a better job of preventing air pollution. It is technically and economically feasible, and it will improve quality of life, protect public health and increase economic growth in our towns.