July 2004 Message from the President

by Charles L. Ross



I am pleased and honored that you elected me as President of TxSwana.  As we begin our new fiscal year, I am reminded of the challenge we have to protect our environment while we simultaneously work to improve and/or maintain the effectiveness of the solid waste industry.  We can accomplish this goal by promoting measures that are mutually beneficial to the industry and the environment, and opposing measures that are not.

Beginning in January 2005, State Legislators will convene once again.  The legislative agenda will probably include a number of important issues that may significantly impact the solid waste industry in Texas.  At this time TCEQ is proposing changes to air permits and site operating plants (SOPs) and is working on complete rewrite of the Chapter 330 Rules.

Your active involvement is vital.  As an environmentally responsible organization, it is our responsibility to become thoroughly familiar with all sides of the issues legislators will be considering and to call our representatives to make them aware of our views.  I believe that we can protect the environment without adversely affecting industry operations.  It is no small challenge.  However, we can meet it through our committed involvement.
I look forward to hearing your views on the issues that are currently being addressed and the ones to follow in the coming months.

Once again, thank your for your support.

Sincerely,

Charles L. Ross
President
TxSWANA