El Paso Witness Seminar II

Seminar conducted August 12, 2013, in the El Paso Public Library.

Seminar Highlights:

  • Environmental Justice: Discussed efforts to prevent the El Paso smelter air permit renewal.
  • Operational Challenges: Highlighted engineering issues, sulfur by-products, and upgrade costs.
  • Health Debate: Conflicting views between scientists and workers regarding pollution severity.
  • Labor Issues: Influence of strong industrial unions, labor disputes, and job compliance.
  • Economic Factors: Impact of copper prices and the decision to demolish the smelter stacks.