By KRWG News
Texas – An EPA official says coal-fired power plants, oil refineries and other industries won't face delays as the federal agency takes over the greenhouse gas permitting for Texas.
Al Armendariz, a regional director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, says officials are ready to start issuing permits. Since Jan. 2 the new permits are required for large businesses that release greenhouse gases and are building new facilities or making major renovations.
Texas has estimated 167 projects would be affected by the new rules.
The EPA decided to issue greenhouse gas permits directly to Texas industries after the state refused to comply with the new Clean Air Act regulations.
Texas is suing to stop the EPA from implementing the plan.
Armendariz spoke Friday during a break at an EPA hearing in Dallas.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.