DOCSLIB.ORG

Agenda Alamo Area Council of Governments Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Wednesday, May 27, 2015 – 8:30 A.M

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Agenda Alamo Area Council of Governments Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Wednesday, May 27, 2015 – 8:30 A.M Agenda Alamo Area Council of Governments Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Wednesday, May 27, 2015 – 8:30 a.m. Al J. Notzon III Board Room 8700 Tesoro Drive San Antonio, TX 78217-6228 1. Meeting Called to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Citizens to be Heard 4. Consider and act upon approval of the January 28th, 2015 minutes 5. Air Quality Outreach and Education Report 6. Ozone Status A. 2015 Ozone Season Update B. Updates on the Proposed Ozone Standard C. Responses from Other Governments and Organizations to EPA’s Proposed Ozone Standard 7. Consider and act upon membership recommendations for the AIR Advisory Committee: Colin Leyden – Environmental Defense Fund 8. Ozone Advance Program A. 2015 Path Forward Plan B. Consider and act upon response to EPA regarding their comments on the 2014 Path Forward Plan 9. Bi-annual air Quality Funding and State Legislative Update 10. Photochemical Modeling Status 11. Potential Cost of Non-Attainment 12. Next Meeting, July 22nd, 2015 13. Adjournment This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. The accessible entrance is located at the front entrance of 8700 Tesoro Drive. Accessible parking spaces are also available. Please contact AACOG for auxiliary aids and services for the hearing impaired, including interpreters for the deaf, at (210) 362-5200 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or by calling Texas Relay at 7-1-1 for assistance. DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the Jan. 28, 2015 minutes. Minutes of the Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Meeting Alamo Area Council of Governments Wednesday Jan. 28, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. Al J. Notzon III Board Room 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100 San Antonio, Texas 78217 Committee Members Guests Councilman Ron Nirenberg, Chair, COSA Joe Eutizi, San Miguel Electric Coop Mayor Chris Riley, Vice Chair, Leon Valley Lee Cover, CEMEX Judge Richard L. Jackson, Wilson County Samuel Kline, JBSA, Lackland Judge Sherman Krause, Comal County Liza Meyer, City of San Antonio Judge Nelson Wolff, Bexar County ( Andy Winter) Chris Ashcraft, STEER, VP Commissioner Jim Wolverton, Guadalupe County Craig Taylor, Communities for Veterans Dub Smothers, Concerned Citizen Maricela Diaz-Wells Lyle Hufstetler AACOG Saff AirTech/Air Advisory Members Brenda Williams, Interim Director of Natural Resources Russell Seal, Sierra Club Steve Smeltzer, Environmental Manager Peter Bella, ImagineSA Annette Prosterman, Transportation Coordinator Kim Stoker, CPS Energy Parviz Nazem, Environmental Modeler Lyza Meyer, COSA Nic Jones, Clean City Coordinator Dr. Vincent Nathan, COSA Nick Page, Alamo Area MPO Dean Word, Andy Quittner, City of Sequin 1. Meeting called to order Commissioner Jim Wolverton called the meeting to order at 8:37 a.m. 2. Roll call A quorum was achieved. 3. Citizens to be heard There were no citizens to be heard. 4. Approval of Minutes Judge Richard L. Jackson made a motion to approve the minutes of Oct. 22, 2014 and Mayor Chris Riley seconded the motion. The motion carried and the minutes were approved unanimously. 5. Consider and act upon election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Commissioner Jim Wolverton asked the floor to nominate members for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair. Judge Richard L. Jackson nominated Councilman Ron Nirenberg for the Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 1 January 28, 2015 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the Jan. 28, 2015 minutes. position of Chair, and he was elected unanimously. Then Councilman Ron Nirenberg nominated Mayor Chris Riley for the Vice Chair position and she was unanimously elected by the Committee members. 6. Ozone Standard A: Air Quality 101 Councilman Ron Nirenberg took the place of Committee’s Chair and moved on to the item number 6 on the agenda. Mr. Steven Smeltzer provided a presentation in regards to the Clean Air Act and rules and regulation encompassing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which are promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He said the law requires EPA to review the standards every 5 years, and conduct scientific studies to determine if the standards are adequate and protect public health and welfare. The rule of states is then to put programs in place to reduce pollution so that the standards are met. No economic cost will be taken into account when the standards are implemented. On Aug. 29, 2014 the EPA published a 597-page report, which cited the scientific data for revising the national standard for ozone. Nov. 25, 2014: EPA's released a proposal to set the standard between 65 to 70 ppb and would consider comments on 60 ppb and the existing 75 ppb through March 17, 2015. Mr. Smeltzer stated that the region currently is in violation of air quality standards, but he anticipated that the region’s design value, most likely, will be based on values from 2014 to 2016 after the release of the new ozone standard, which is advantageous to the San Antonio region, as the values for 2012 and 2013 are considerably higher than that of 2014. If the region does not meet the revised standard and is designated under the new standard, then a SIP must be submitted by October 1, 2020. If the region wants to be in a good position by 2020, we’ll need to implement air quality control strategies much earlier than this date. Mr. Smeltzer pointed out that the San Antonio- New Braunfels MSA, comprising 8 counties would be the basis for the non-attainment designation, and for a “marginal” non-attainment area such as San Antonio region, the attainment deadline is set to Dec. 31, 2020. The attainment date for area designated as “Moderate”, which indicates a more severe case of violation is set to Dec. 31, 2023. B: Consider and act upon forwarding comments to EPA in response to the new proposed ozone standard zone Standard Updates Mr. Smeltzer also presented a letter to the Committee for their approval, which included 7 comments all approved by Air Technical and Air Advisory committees’ members for submitting to the EPA. The comments were as follows: 1. EPA should delay nonattainment designations for the revised ozone standard until 2018 to allow regions to benefit from the implementation of federal air quality controls which will occur in 2017, such as the Tier 3 vehicle and fuel standards, increased turnover of non-road equipment to Tier 4 standards, and other federal controls. 2. Due to monitoring uncertainty, EPA should allow +15% ppb variance in the calculated design value used to determine attainment. EPA allows +/- 15% error in data accuracy for approving the calibrations of ozone monitors. 3. EPA should consider the number of exceedances allowed by other industrialized nations when implementing the ozone standard. For example, the European Union states that Air Improvement Resources Executive Committee Page 2 January 28, 2015 DRAFT Agenda Item 4: Consider and act upon approval of the Jan. 28, 2015 minutes. the maximum daily 8-hour mean concentration of ozone should not exceed 120 μg/m3 (60 ppb) on more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years.1 4. EPA should consider rigorously monitoring and evaluating data of all areas, both attainment and nonattainment areas, to understand intrastate and interstate transport and protect downwind areas that might be significantly affected by transported emissions. Transport significantly impacts local ozone concentrations. Unfortunately, the Clean Air Act relies on implementation of local strategies for an area to regain attainment, but at this time, no combination of local strategies has been demonstrated as being effective enough for the San Antonio – New Braunfels MSA to reach attainment without concurrent reductions in transport. 5. EPA should recognize the role of interstate, intrastate, and international transport in the calculations and implementation of ozone standards. While we welcome discussions with the EPA on methods to mitigate local contributions to ozone formation, we cannot enact reduction strategies which act beyond our jurisdiction. Moreover, those agencies responsible for air quality management beyond the San Antonio – New Braunfels MSA must provide appropriate reductions within their jurisdictions and authorities, as required, to assist the local nonattainment region’s efforts to regain attainment status. 6. Permitting rules need to require an evaluation of ozone impacts using photochemical grid modeling. Permits should be modified or denied if adverse health impacts or violations of the NAAQS will occur either downwind or within a given attainment/nonattainment area as a result of permit action. 7. When setting the attainment date for areas downwind of other nonattainment areas, consideration should be given to allow appropriate control strategy implementation in the upwind areas as necessary to allow the downwind area to achieve compliance. Councilman Ron Nirenberg, Chair, asked the floor for any comments; there was no comment so he asked for a motion to approve the content of letter for submission to the EPA and Commissioner Jim Wolverton made the motion, which was seconded by Judge Richard L. Jackson. The motion carried and the letter’s content was approved unanimously. C. Consider and act upon asking EPA for a response to TCEQ’s letter on how the proposed lower ozone standards will not accomplish its stated goal of protecting human health Mr. Smeltzer showed a letter that contained opinion of TCEQ in regards to the EPA’s proposed new national ozone standard and asked the Committee members if they would like to ask the EPA to respond to the assertion made by the TCEQ as to “EPA’s proposed lower ozone standards will not accomplish its stated goal of protecting human health.” He also asked Mr. Andy Quittner and Mr. Dean Word to express the opinion of their respective committee members in regards to this letter.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Connecting with the FEB
    COMMUNITYConnecting with the FEB. 2018 - FEB. 2019 | VOLUME 2 Connecting with the Community Feb. 2018 – Feb. 2019 Volume 2 Table of Contents Community ............................................................................................... Section 1 Executive Summary Stats Public Safety & Education CRU Customer Programs Fairs Council Districts 1 – 10 Suburban City Outreach Marketing & Comms Managed Accounts Citizens Advisory Committee Joint Base San Antonio Environmental Stakeholder Meetings ....................................................... Section 2 Executive Summary Meetings March 21, 2018 May 4, 2018 July 17, 2018 November 27, 2018 Marketing & Comms Table of Contents (continued) Technology Partnerships ............................................................................ Section 3 Executive Summary New Energy Economy Future of Energy Symposium City of the Future Global Lecture Series Smart SA Smart SA CEO Meetings EPIcenter Global Lecture Series III Marketing & Comms Education Outreach ................................................................................... Section 4 Executive Summary Stats Intern Programs Educational Alliance Marketing & Comms Board of Trustees Vacancy Information Sessions ....................................... Section 5 FY 2019 Events Marketing & Comms Executive Summary CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY XYZ OVERVIEW: Our People First foundation remains at the forefront of all we do! Each year, for the last three years, we have continued to increase the level of our outreach to our Customers
    [Show full text]
  • January 19, 2021 the Honorable Nancy Pelosi the Honorable Mitch
    January 19, 2021 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Mitch McConnell Speaker Majority Leader United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy The Honorable Charles E. Schumer Republican Leader Democratic Leader United States House of Representatives United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer: RE: Urgent Action Needed on President-Elect Biden’s American Rescue Plan On behalf of The United States Conference of Mayors, we urge you to take immediate action on comprehensive coronavirus relief legislation, including providing direct fiscal assistance to all cities, which is long overdue. President-elect Biden’s American Rescue Plan contains such assistance as part of an aggressive strategy to contain the virus, increase access to life-saving vaccines, and create a foundation for sustainable and inclusive recovery. American cities and our essential workers have been serving at the frontlines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for nearly a year. We have been charged with executing herculean public health efforts and an unprecedented emergency response. Despite immense fiscal pressure, your local government partners oversaw those efforts, while trying to maintain essential services and increase our internal capacity to provide support for residents and businesses who have been crippled by a tanking economy. And yet, as the economic engines of our country, local governments will be relied upon to lead the long- term economic recovery our nation so desperately needs, even as, with few exceptions, cities have been largely left without direct federal assistance.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 84, No. 128/Wednesday, July 3, 2019/Notices
    31892 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2019 / Notices [FR Doc. 2019–14176 Filed 7–2–19; 8:45 am] Community Map Repository address the community is required either to BILLING CODE 9110–12–P listed in the table below and online adopt or to show evidence of being through the FEMA Map Service Center already in effect in order to remain at https://msc.fema.gov. qualified for participation in the DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick National Flood Insurance Program SECURITY Sacbibit, Chief, Engineering Services (NFIP). Branch, Federal Insurance and This new or modified flood hazard Federal Emergency Management Mitigation Administration, FEMA, 400 information, together with the Agency C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472, floodplain management criteria required [Docket ID FEMA–2019–0002] (202) 646–7659, or (email) by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that [email protected]; or visit are required. They should not be Changes in Flood Hazard the FEMA Map Information eXchange construed to mean that the community Determinations (FMIX) online at https:// must change any existing ordinances www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_ that are more stringent in their AGENCY: Federal Emergency main.html. floodplain management requirements. Management Agency, DHS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The The community may at any time enact ACTION: Notice. Federal Emergency Management Agency stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other SUMMARY: New or modified Base (1- (FEMA) makes the final flood hazard Federal, State, or regional entities. percent annual chance) Flood determinations as shown in the LOMRs Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, for each community listed in the table This new or modified flood hazard Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) below.
    [Show full text]
  • Mayors for Solar Energy
    For more information, visit: https://environmentamerica.org/feature/ame/go-solar Mayors for Solar Energy We, the undersigned U.S. Mayors and local officials, resolve to make solar energy a key element of our communities' energy plans. Accelerating the growth of solar will reduce pollution while revitalizing our communities by creating jobs and keeping energy dollars in our local economies. Expanding solar power helps residents and businesses benefit from lower energy costs while providing more local control of energy and improving our communities' resilience. Therefore, solar energy can and should be a much larger part of our energy mix than it is today. The U.S. has the potential to produce 100 times more solar power than the total amount of energy we consume each year. We must continue to harness this vast source of clean energy for the benefit of all of our citizens. As local leaders, we know that our communities are particularly well-suited to adopt solar power. Cities and towns are natural centers of electricity demand, have the rooftops and infrastructure needed for installing solar panels, and can craft policies to help residents and utilities make the switch to solar power. With a concerted effort underway on the state and federal levels to limit the growth of solar by fossil fuel special interests, communities like ours across the country need to act quickly to continue our progress toward renewable energy. By signing this statement in support of solar, we commit to supporting efforts to advance solar energy in our local communities, states, and the nation. Signed: Arizona Jonathan Rothschild, Mayor, Tucson Arkansas Lioneld Jordan, Mayor, Fayetteville Jay Hollowell, Mayor, City of Helena-West Helena California Jesse Arreguin, Mayor, Berkeley Glenn Sylvester, Former Mayor, Daly City Catherine Blakespear, Mayor, Encinitas Lily Mei, Mayor, Fremont Skylar Peak, Former Mayor, Malibu Clyde Roberson, Mayor, Monterey John F.
    [Show full text]
  • June 29, 2021 Dear Texas Congressional Delegation, We
    June 29, 2021 Dear Texas Congressional Delegation, We write in deep appreciation of the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA’s comprehensive approach is already providing an important boost to our pandemic recovery efforts. We are especially appreciative that ARPA provides fiscal assistance to almost every local government in the nation via the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund. These funds are providing critical assistance to our cities and will continue to do so as we work to overcome the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic. As our cities reopen, we are pleased to see many signs of a strong economic recovery and a return to normal life. However, we are deeply concerned about recent proposals to rescind, recapture, or “clawback” the second tranche of the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund scheduled for allocation next spring. When creating the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund, Congress and the Administration foresaw that while our economy would see rapid economic growth this summer and fall, many of the pandemic’s social and economic impacts will take more time to fully address. In response, the program is designed to address short-term needs via an immediate allocation of half of the program’s funds while also allowing for long-term recovery via a second allocation next spring and a provision providing us with three years to obligate the funds. The wisdom of this approach is becoming increasingly evident as we work on our recovery plans. Although the pandemic has given us renewed pride in the strength and compassion of our communities, it has also laid bare how much work we have to do, to fully address all of the pandemic’s impacts and build a more resilient society.
    [Show full text]
  • Mayors for Meaningful Net Neutrality Protections February 27, 2018 the Honorable Mitch Mcconnell Majority Leader U.S. Sena
    Mayors For Meaningful Net Neutrality Protections February 27, 2018 The Honorable Mitch McConnell The Honorable Paul Ryan Majority Leader Speaker U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Chuck Schumer The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Democratic Leader Democratic Leader U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi: The decision by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to dismantle open Internet protections cannot stand. It represents a stark and unwarranted attack on our communities and residents. We, the undersigned municipalities representing 43 million constituents, write in support of the Resolution of Disapproval of the FCC's Order to repeal net neutrality rules. As local leaders, we recognize the direct and substantial benefit that broadband connectivity and access to a free and open Internet can have for our residents. The cores of our communities – our economies, educational institutions and government agencies – increasingly rely on broadband connectivity. The transformative power of the internet drives economic growth, individual and community development, and better government for all of our residents. As more than 60 Mayors wrote to the FCC in July, “full repeal would have a particularly negative impact on middle- and working-class families, while simultaneously restricting access to certain types of online content and services to those who cannot afford to pay more.” Many of these concerns were shared and voiced in 13,000 pages of net neutrality complaints filed by millions of citizens and hundreds of community organizations and local leaders, which the FCC willfully ignored.
    [Show full text]
  • February 3, 2021 Honorable Members of the Texas Delegation: As Texas
    February 3, 2021 Honorable Members of the Texas Delegation: As Texas combats the third and largest surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, we once again write to request that Congress provide direct and flexible fiscal assistance to local governments of all sizes. Texas cities need help to continue to address the pandemic and its economic and social impacts and to weather budget shortfalls that we face through no fault of our own. The budget calamity looming over local governments is real and requires extraordinary measures. As the numbers recently released by Comptroller Hegar illustrate, Texas is not immune from this pain. He reports that December 2020 general fund tax revenues were 9.26% below December 2019’s figures. Please note that these numbers do not include delayed property tax revenue losses, the primary source of local government revenue in Texas. Property taxes are always a lagging economic indicator, and we therefore fear that it will be some time before our revenues rebound from the pandemic. All Texas cities are grappling with this devastating reduction in revenue as a result of an unprecedented pandemic. In addition, we are facing this fiscal crisis at the same time we continue to address major public health and public safety challenges and are incurring significant costs to ramp up vaccination efforts and other pandemic prevention and response activities. Cities have been, and will continue to be, the first responders to our pandemic – assistance cannot come at a more necessary time. Texas cities are major employers that provide core local government services to tens of millions of Texans.
    [Show full text]
  • July 13, 2021 the Honorable Charles E. Schumer the Honorable Nancy
    July 13, 2021 The Honorable Charles E. Schumer The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Majority Leader Speaker United States Senate United States House oF Representatives The Honorable Mitch McConnell The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Republican Leader Republican Leader United States Senate United States House oF Representatives Dear Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, and Leader McCarthy: RE: Mayoral Support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework On behalF oF The United States ConFerence oF Mayors, we urge you to take immediate action on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework announced by President Biden and a group oF Republican and Democratic Senators on June 24 in the spirit oF both progress and compromise. This Framework would be the largest long-term investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century – $1.2 trillion over eight years – to help make our economy more sustainable, resilient, and just. The Bipartisan InFrastructure Framework is crucial to making meaningFul progress on one oF the most pressing and unifying challenges Facing our country – the need for comprehensive investment in public transportation; roads; bridges; passenger and Freight rail; drinking water and wastewater; clean energy and electriFication; legacy pollution cleanup; cyber-attack and eXtreme weather-resiliency; and universal broadband access. Thus, we believe that this Framework deserves bipartisan support in the United States Senate and the United States House oF Representatives. As was the case with the historic American Rescue Plan – where Democrat, Republican and independent mayors came together through The United States ConFerence oF Mayors to help secure $350 billion in direct relieF For state and local governments – we know that details oF the Bipartisan InFrastructure Framework will need to be developed by the leadership and relevant committees in Congress.
    [Show full text]
  • November 25, 2019 the Honorable Michael R. Pompeo Secretary Of
    November 25, 2019 The Honorable Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20230 Dear Secretary Pompeo, Mayors across the nation recognize the many contributions refugees make to their cities and to our nation as a whole. They strengthen our economy and enhance our culture. We write to urge the Administration to rescind the September 26 executive order and return this year’s refugee admissions to previous annual levels. For years, the United States has been a world leader in welcoming people who have fled violence and persecution and are seeking a safe place to call home. Since our refugee admissions program was established nearly 40 years ago, most administrations have recognized the global need for resettlement and determined the yearly admissions ceiling in consultation with Congress to fulfill the U.S. commitment. U.S. cities have long benefited from the annual arrival of refugees. Once they are resettled, refugees learn the new language, adjust to the different culture, and strive to establish a new life. In the process, they also enrich and bring cultural vibrancy and diversity to their local communities. Refugees contribute meaningfully to our economy as earners and taxpayers. While they receive initial assistance upon arriving in the United States, they see significant income increases in subsequent years. Their entrepreneurship rate is greater than that of other immigrants, as are their long-term investments in the country, including founding companies, earning citizenship, and buying homes. Indeed, they have positively reshaped cities across the country in recent decades by opening restaurants, buying vacant homes, contributing to the cultural landscape, and adding to the local workforce.
    [Show full text]
  • November 25, 2019 the Honorable Michael R. Pompeo Secretary Of
    November 25, 2019 The Honorable Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20230 Dear Secretary Pompeo, Mayors across the nation recognize the many contributions refugees make to their cities and to our nation as a whole. They strengthen our economy and enhance our culture. We write to urge the Administration to rescind the September 26 executive order and return this year’s refugee admissions to previous annual levels. For years, the United States has been a world leader in welcoming people who have fled violence and persecution and are seeking a safe place to call home. Since our refugee admissions program was established nearly 40 years ago, most administrations have recognized the global need for resettlement and determined the yearly admissions ceiling in consultation with Congress to fulfill the U.S. commitment. U.S. cities have long benefited from the annual arrival of refugees. Once they are resettled, refugees learn the new language, adjust to the different culture, and strive to establish a new life. In the process, they also enrich and bring cultural vibrancy and diversity to their local communities. Refugees contribute meaningfully to our economy as earners and taxpayers. While they receive initial assistance upon arriving in the United States, they see significant income increases in subsequent years. Their entrepreneurship rate is greater than that of other immigrants, as are their long-term investments in the country, including founding companies, earning citizenship, and buying homes. Indeed, they have positively reshaped cities across the country in recent decades by opening restaurants, buying vacant homes, contributing to the cultural landscape, and adding to the local workforce.
    [Show full text]
  • March 28, 2019 Mayor Ron Nirenberg Members of the City Council City Of
    March 28, 2019 Mayor Ron Nirenberg Members of the City Council City of San Antonio P.O. Box 839966 San Antonio, Texas 78283 Re: Discriminatory Treatment of Chick-fil-A in the City’s Concessionaire Contract for San Antonio International Airport Dear Mayor Nirenberg and City Councilmembers: The Constitution’s protection of religious liberty is somehow even better than Chick-fil- A’s chicken. Unfortunately, I have serious concerns that both are under assault at the San Antonio airport. Please see the enclosed letter from my office to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao highlighting my concerns that the City’s recent action to remove Chick-fil-A from the City’s new airport concessionaire contract may violate federal law and applicable federal regulations. You should also note that I have directed my office to open an investigation into whether the City’s action violates state law. I trust the City will fully cooperate with my investigation into this matter, and will abide by relevant federal and state laws in the future. Very truly yours, Ken Paxton Attorney General of Texas Enclosure Post Of fice Box 12548, Austin, Texas 7 8 7 1 1 - 2 5 4 8 • ( 5 1 2 ) 4 6 3 - 2 1 0 0 • www.texasattor neygeneral.gov March 28, 2019 The Honorable Elaine Chao Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Potential Religious Discrimination by Grant Recipient City of San Antonio Dear Madam Secretary: I write to request that the Department of Transportation open an investigation into San Antonio’s potential breach of federal law and your agency’s regulations prohibiting religious discrimination by federal grant recipients.
    [Show full text]
  • COVID-19 2020 State & Local Government Report Legislative, Executive, Regulatory, and Local Status*
    As of 4/7/2020 6:17 PM COVID-19 2020 State & Local Government Report Legislative, Executive, Regulatory, and Local Status* Since the global outbreak of coronavirus: ► Over 90 bills have been introduced in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia on paid sick leave and worker protections as well as appropriations requests. ► Over 460 executive actions have been issued in 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. These executive actions include but are not limited to declarations of states of emergency, school closures, prohibition of mass gatherings, retail and business closures, and stay at home orders. ► 20 task forces have been established by 13 governors. ► Over 30 states and the District of Columbia have issued emergency regulations on a number of issues including but not limited to insurance carriers, labor and wage, and medical licensure. ► 62 legislative chambers have either temporarily adjourned, moved to virtual meetings, or announced an early recess or sine die. Additionally, this report includes actions coming from the administrations of the 100 most-populated cities and counties. *This report will be updated as the situation develops. COVID-19 Updated 4/7/2020 | 6:20 PM Local, Legislative, Executive and Regulatory Report State Type of Action Action Summary Status Executive Governor Kay Ivey (R) declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. The order makes Alabama Executive Action Active Proclamation changes to standards of care. The order prohibits price gouging. Governor Kay Ivey (R) has expanded the scope of practice for certain healthcare professionals; Executive directed various Boards to adopt emergency rules related to practice by out-of-state healthcare Alabama Executive Action Active Proclamation practitioners; expanded capacity of healthcare facilities; required shareholder meetings to be reduced; and more.
    [Show full text]