SW Houston News

Mayor John Whitmire expressed his satisfaction in a statement released today after the announcement that USA Waste of Texas Landfills, Inc. has withdrawn its application to expand the Hawthorn Park Landfill. The decision to halt the expansion plans is considered a victory for the community of Carverdale, which had been vocal about their concerns regarding potential environmental and health issues, increased truck traffic, and flooding.

In his statement, Mayor Whitmire highlighted his previous support for the residents and business owners of Carverdale when he served as a State Senator in 2022. He stated, "I proudly stood with the residents and business owners in Carverdale to object to the permit application because they were concerned about potential environmental and health issues, increased truck traffic, and flooding that the proposed expansion would have created." The Mayor also mentioned that he had written to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to request a public meeting and had joined community members at the landfill to protest all attempts to expand it.

Mayor Whitmire acknowledged the efforts of Houston City Council Member Amy Peck, who had also advocated on behalf of the Carverdale residents during the permit application process. He thanked her for her leadership and commitment to stopping the landfill expansion.

Further emphasizing his dedication to protecting the quality of life for Houstonians, Mayor Whitmire assured the community that he will continue to fight for them whenever their well-being is at stake. He stated, "As Houston's Mayor, I promise to continue fighting for Houstonians whenever their quality of life is threatened. I look forward to working with the residents of Carverdale and other citizens to speak up about environmental justice issues that threaten our hardworking families. Everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to live."

The withdrawal of the permit application to expand the Hawthorn Park Landfill is seen as a significant win for the Carverdale community and a testament to the power of community advocacy. Mayor Whitmire's statement reflects the city's commitment to addressing environmental justice concerns and ensuring the well-being of its residents.