The Dallas Observer reports...

Texas Industries scored a 10-year air permit renewal -- no public comment period required -- for its notoriously toxic Midlothian cement operation. The renewal came with one condition: TXI's cement kilns, the only ones in North Texas authorized to burn hazardous waste, couldn't increase their emissions. But, as it turns out, TXI has applied for a permit to burn "tires and tire shreds" in one of its Midlothian kilns, which appears to be a direct violation of that promise. The icing on the cake? The company is billing this tire fire as a way to reduce NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions.

Texas Industries (TXI) has been fighting with local environmentalists to get an extension to use their wet kiln furnaces. It looks like this is going to be granted, over some pretty extreme protests from environmental groups and concerned citizens downwind from TXI's operation.

That corporations and environmentalist often do battle is nothing new. These confrontations need to be seen as a good thing. Open discussion about issues seen differently by individuals with two opposing viewpoints is healthy in a democratic society. However, what Texas Industries did in order to avoid the debate is worthy of Intershame.

The permit granted to Texas Industries in April came with the condition that emissions would not increase. This provision allowed TXI to bypass public debate on the matter. However, this new permit application to burn tires appears to renege on the promise to not increase emissions. Most disturbing is that TXI told the Environmental Protection Agency this would be an air quality improvement so that they could again sidestep a public comment period.

Texas Industries is either sidestepping debate because they consider it an inconvenience or because they know they'll have a difficult time defending this tire-burning permit against public scrutiny.