By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it's working directly with Texas' petrochemical industry to fix permits that have long violated the federal Clean Air Act.
The agency is offering the nation's largest refineries tools to correct the problems and foster legal forgiveness. A 10-day public comment period on the EPA's proposed independent auditing program begins Thursday. It allows industry to hire consultants to determine the emission limits of each unit. After the EPA approves the limits, Texas can include them in the permits.
The EPA's move is the latest in a protracted, public and politicized battle with Texas, and appears to remove much of the state's authority.
EPA regional director Al Armendariz says it appears Texas is trying to fix its air program.
Arlington Man Surrenders In Killing of Wife
A 67 year old Arlington man is under arrest for murder, after breaking down his estranged wife's door; shooting her several times this morning.
Police say Patrick and Linda Arnold were in the process of a divorce. Neighbors told police Linda Arnold told them she was scared of her husband. Police had been called to the address twice before.
About an hour after the shooting, Arnold turned himself in at a South Arlington police station.
Texas prison employees set for random drug tests
For the first time in the Texas prison system, most of its 41,000 corrections employees will be subject to random drug tests - including guards and parole officers.
Bryan Collier, deputy director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, says the policy will be unveiled next week. It's designed to bolster security and curb contraband for the massive prison system.
Collier also says the policy is designed to raise staffing standards.
The Austin American-Statesman reports the correctional employees union, representing about 6,000 workers, resists the testing and suggests it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Prison officials say the costs are still being calculated.
School Custodian Charged With Sexual Assault Of Child
A school custodian in Garland faces charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Police say 59 year old Luan Quang Le is a custodian at O'Henry Elementary. Although it is in Garland, it's part of the Richardson school district.
Garland Police are investigating two assaults of an eight year old boy on school property. Detectives are looking into the possibility of more victims.
Le, meanwhile, has bonded out of jail.