"Houston faces an aggressive deadline for improving our air quality. The research funds secured today will give scientists the continued resources they need to research and develop a long-term strategy unique to the Houston region. Science, business, and the environment each play an important role in keeping our skies clear," said Brady.

Houston provides a unique challenge for air scientists and regional policy-makers. Houston combines the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, a sprawling and congested transportation infrastructure, and a traditional pro-growth business culture. By making real progress towards reducing point source and mobile source air emissions, Houston can be held up as a positive example to any city in the country.

HARC is a non-partisan research organization based in The Woodlands, dedicated to mobilizing the tools of science, technology and policy to improve people’s lives and protect the environment. HARC maintains close ties with regional universities, including Texas A&M University, University of Texas, and University of Houston, all of which have committed to developing nationally recognized air science programs.

To further combat Houston’s clean air goals and challenges, Brady authored the Clean Air and Water Investment Act of 2003. This important legislation reestablishes federal tax-exempt bond financing for environmental improvements to air and water quality that existed in the tax code prior to 1986. In the Houston region, the clean air costs will be staggering. This bill will help Houston reach EPA imposed Clean Air Act standards by the 2007 deadline. This bill will likely have a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee later this year where Brady serves as member.