The El Paso School Board is the latest local governing body to come out in opposition to the renewal of ASARCO's air permit renewal, which would allow the copper smelter to reopen.

EPISD trustees and the superintendent said they believe Asarco has adversely affected the health of their school children in the past and would do so again, if it reopens.

David Dodge, EPISD School Board president said, "If the Asarco plant reopens we will be again impacted by the contaminants that are emitted under this air permit."

The El Paso School Board voted Tuesday night to oppose Asarco's reopening, and to urge the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to deny the air permit renewal.

Local ASARCO executives contend restarting the smelter would pose no health risks and provide a boost to El Paso's economy by creating hundreds of well-paying paying jobs.