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TCEQ adopts enforcement docket; local advocates press agency on SEP placement and enforcement backlog
Summary
The commission adopted items 7–35 in the enforcement docket (total assessed administrative penalties reported), and heard public comment from Better Brazoria Clean Air and Water and Public Citizen raising concerns about SEP locations and an enforcement backlog and urging SEPs be sited in impacted communities.
Enforcement Division staff presented items 7–35 and asked the commission to approve the enforcement docket. Staff reported total assessed administrative penalties of $1,257,184 with portions allocated to supplemental environmental projects (SEPs) and general revenue; staff noted specific allocations to SEPs and general revenue in the record and were available to answer questions.
Melanie Oldham, director of Better Brazoria Clean Air and Water, spoke during the enforcement docket public comment and said Freeport is an environmental‑justice community that suffers disproportionately from air pollution. She criticized the SEP selections in the enforcement actions, noting the closest SEP in one order was in Texas City, about 48 miles from Freeport, and urged the agency to encourage custom SEPs that provide direct benefits to harmed communities (for example, collaborating with local school districts).
Sheldon Wayne of OPIC told the commission OPIC recommended approval of the enforcement items after reviewing the materials. The commission moved to adopt items 7–35 as recommended by the Executive Director and adopted the docket by unanimous voice vote.
Later, staff presented the monthly enforcement report (Item 36) with metrics through January FY2026: 650 effective administrative orders totaling $6,986,732 in assessed penalties, $3,476,805 proposed for SEPs, 6,416 notices of violation, a backlog of 1,385 cases, and other enforcement metrics. OPIC reviewed the report and expressed appreciation for staff efforts. Public Citizen also used public comment later in the meeting to present a broader critique of the agency's enforcement, investigation, and public participation performance.
The commission adopted the enforcement docket items and heard public concerns about SEP siting and enforcement capacity; commissioners acknowledged the work of agency staff and invited continued engagement with communities and stakeholders.
