PUBLIC MONEY FOR PUBLIC TRUTH!

This morning, I'm thinking about Texas graduate programs in environmental science and how much they need solid government - state and federal - support, not just corporate support, to improve their existing programs. Innovative technology and research are our answer to heavily contaminated lakes and broken aquifers.
Think of nearby universities and the level of education and experience professors have attained-education that could be used to benefit our community. What will it take to get capable people to work together to solve local environmental problems? Money that we're already paying in support of the state environmental commission?
The environmental quality people in Austin have our tax money yet have let us down -deep down into a chemical abyss with no rescue on the horizon-unless EPA proposes a re-evaluation of the Vought/ Exelon/Mt Creek area.
If we lose our natural underground water system near Mountain Creek Lake to an unexpected crack in the saturated clay aquifer and spread of chemical (TCE, VOC) contamination, too bad.
Business in Texas is what matters! (Thanks, DMN editorial board for an honest and brave editorial about TCEQ and big business.)
Still, imagine the recourse caring, informed citizens could have. THINK - about what's inside the lake, under the ground, but think outside the TCEQ box of "natural attenuation." What if we as a people had to find a solution to toxic water in order to survive? Could we find the resources and make a plan? In a heartbeat!
Universities, rarely heard from, how can you be of service? Do your scientists know how to treat water and clean aquifers? Do you dare not reveal a plan your polluter/ corporate donors might have to pay for? Please forgive me for being suspicious, but I'm positive this scenario of teacher vs donor has played out in other institutions and has turned ugly. Nevertheless, scholars are supremely valuable and deserve public support.
Two things in closing: We ought to clean up Mt Creek Lake. If it can't be done, someone with the highest level of knowledge and courage should say so and tell why.