On June 30, 2016 the City of San Antonio became the largest city in the nation to pass a ban of coal tar pavement sealers. These videos contain an overview of the City staff findings; comments by the several Council members including its sponsor, Councilman Ron Nirenberg; and statements from supporters and opponents of the ban.
The key statement came from the ban’s sponsor, Ron Nirenberg:
“The reason why we’re doing this today is that science demands that, as it relates to public health, that we adjust public policy when necessary.”
Unfortunately not all the statements were supportive of the ban.
Do you ever wish you could have a buzzer when you hear someone speak publicly who is, at best, misinformed? Well this video of the Council proceedings has buzzers and comments included. No disrespect to the historic aspects of this ban or the Council is intended, but these statements could not just stand unchallenged.
5 Minute Summary of Council Proceedings
Complete Council Proceedings with a Little Editorial Commentary
Introductory Presentation by Doug Melnick, Sustainability Officer for the City of San Antonio
Presentation by Tom Ennis of Coal Tar Free America
Presentation by Anne LeHuray of the Pavement Coatings Technology Council
Presentation by Ellen Berky of the Sierra Club
Presentation by Annalisa Peace of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
Presentation by Jim Craven of Parking Lot Store
Presentation by Rebecca Reeves of the San Antonio Water Supply (SAWS)
Presentation by Jason Brown of Texas Star Supply
Key Statements by Council Nirenberg and Staff Response to Questions
Statements by Councilman Trevino
Statements by Councilman Gallagher
Statements by Councilmember Viagran
The Vote