Tag: Texas Governor Greg Abbott

We Need Federal Rules to Protect Outdoor Workers

On By Kalpana SutariaIn Global WarmingLeave a comment

Re: June 25 article, ‘Outdoor workers need increased protection’

It is sadly true that as Austin gets warmer with worsening climate, there are consequences for outdoor workers in construction, agriculture and postal work. As a project manager working on City of Austin building projects, I have experienced the hot conditions firsthand at job sites. We ensure that contractors working on city projects provide a 10-minute shade and water break once every four hours. Signs are posted in English and Spanish.

But Governor Abbott signed a law upending protections for workers directly impacted by summer heat. These workers construct infrastructure and buildings and grow food for Texans in the brutal heat. Is just 10 minutes of respite not acceptable to Abbott? Last year 279 people died because of heat in Texas.

Contractors and owners who care for workers are providing protections regardless. OSHA must act promptly to enact federal regulations to protect outdoor workers from heat exposure and illnesses.

Kalpana Sutaria

Project Manager, City of Austin and Member, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Austin

Published in the Austin American-Statesman

July 2, 2023

Texas Fights an Energy Battle That’s Already Lost

On By CCLATXIn Clean Energy, State of TexasLeave a comment

Re: Jan. 29 article, “Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas is prepared to sue Biden administration over environmental regulations.”

On Jan. 28, the LBJ Future Forum hosted a panel of respected speakers on “Austin’s Energy Innovation Future.” The message: Texas will thrive with clean energy companies and new industries that are already here and growing. Market signals from Washington and from corporate headquarters everywhere are reassuring investors that clean energy and emissions-reducing technologies are good bets.

That same day Gov. Abbott announced Texas will sue the Biden administration to protect oil and gas every chance it gets. Such pledges to protect fossil fuels send confusing signals about the welcome that clean technology companies will get in Texas.

Corporate decision makers know the future is away from fossil fuels. So instead of continuing to fight a battle that’s already lost, wouldn’t Texans be better served by a state government that is building a glide path for oil workers to a clean energy future?

Cynthia Lesky

Austin American-Statesman

February 7, 2021