Poll Shows Widespread Support for Port Air Quality Improvement Efforts

Contact: Chris Smith, Environmental Defense Fund, 512.691.3451-w or 512.659.9264-c or csmith@edf.org
Elena Craft, Environmental Defense Fund, 512.691.3452-w or ecraft@edf.org

(HOUSTON – Aug. 26, 2009) – Those living in and around the Port of Houston would welcome today’s announcement from Port of Houston Authority Chairman Jim Edmonds of a Clean Air Strategy Plan, according to a poll conducted in March by Opinion Analysts, Inc.

The results of a random sample survey (accurate to within +/- 4.9 percent at the 95 percent confidence level) showed that Harris County registered voters overwhelmingly support the port taking action to help improve regional air quality. Ninety-one percent of respondents agreed that spending money to improve air quality is a good investment and that the port should be a leader in reducing air pollution, or at least match the efforts of the top-performing U.S. ports.

“Public opinion confirmed that Houstonians support clean air initiatives, even in times of economic hardship,” said Environmental Defense Fund Toxicologist Elena Craft, Ph.D. “It’s our hope the nation’s second largest port adopts this plan quickly and that action is taken to follow through on implementation in a timely manner.”

The port’s proposed Clean Air Strategy Plan lays the groundwork for reducing air pollution in and around the port. From now until final adoption, the port will seek input on the plan from local citizens, port tenants and contractors, rail, shipping, tug and trucking companies, NGOs and federal, state and local governments.

“The port’s clean air plan is a critical component for improving the overall air quality in the Houston region,” Craft said. “We especially look forward to real, tangible air quality improvements and to the resulting health benefits.”

In January the port released its first comprehensive emissions inventory, which outlined the various sources of air pollution generated from port operations. “The actions taken by the port today sends a strong signal that the port is committed to addressing serious air quality issues,” Craft said.

Pollutants in the ship channel due to port-related activities include 6,716 tons per year NOX, 346 tons per year VOCs, 1,392 tons per year CO, 3,340 tons per year SO2, 386 tons per year PM2.5 and 627,574 tons per year CO2.

For more information about the poll, please visit: www.edf.org/documents/10363_Final%20Summary%20Report.pdf.