Featured Citizen Action

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  • Dear Mayor Eric Johnson, City Council and City Staff,

    I am writing to call your immediate attention to a critical public health crisis impacting Joppa and West Dallas: the persistent and dangerous levels of air pollution coming from TAMKO and GAF. I stand with Justice for Joppa and Singleton United/Unidos in urging the full funding of the Nonconforming Use Fund, a budget initiative that would bring about the vital and long-overdue end of operations of these two asphalt shingle plants, and finally allow residents to breathe cleaner air. Recent independent studies show persistent and dangerous air pollution levels from non-conforming asphalt shingle manufacturers TAMKO and GAF are critically harming our families and neighbors. Allocating funds during this budget cycle will be an immediate step to address the ongoing health crisis and be a win for Dallas.

    A recent and alarming Texas A&M study conclusively demonstrates that the air pollution produced by TAMKO and GAF is not only significantly higher than the rest of Dallas County, but ranks among the worst in the entire nation. As part of that study, researchers directly sought solutions from residents to improve air quality, and respondents made it clear that they wanted the smokestacks to be completely gone. This undeniable sentiment underscores the acute need for you—our City Council—to act decisively.

    We can and must swiftly move in a positive direction by adhering to the foundational principles in the ForwardDallas comprehensive plan: TAMKO and GAF no longer exploit outdated permits within the confines of neighborhoods zoned for residential living. As a constituent, I expect my elected officials to actively shield their communities from harmful polluters. Removing TAMKO and GAF is not just a policy decision, but a moral imperative that demands the unified effort of every community in Dallas and all council members to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens.

    I urge you to prioritize the allocation of funds to the Nonconforming Use Fund by investigating sources such as but not limited to the Infrastructure Investment Fund, the Fort Worth Avenue TIF, grants, bonds, and other possible sources to take immediate steps to address these polluting companies.

    Sincerely,