Environmental Law

It Pays to Do Business in Texas?

By Walter James

I was sitting at my desk yesterday when at about 3:30 p.m. I get this email from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: ?The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $675,105 against 76 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.?  If you do the math, that is roughly a fine of $8,800.00 for each violator.  If you drill down further, however, one entity was fined $117, 048.00.  That makes the fine for each violator average less than $7,500.00.  Of that amount, it is doubtful that the TCEQ will ever see that money: eleven were default orders assessing fines.

I always like to see the government crow about its fines and enforcement.  Just remember, when you really look at it, is it really something to brag about?

More later.

As always, feel free to contact me via e-mail at walter.james@jamespllc.com.

WDJiii

Full post as published by Environmental Crimes Blog on May 07, 2009 (boomark / email).