From The Texas Tribune · Alex Nguyen · · 1m 40s
Texas Prisons to Cool by 2029 in Legal Battle
Texas appeals federal order to air condition all prisons by 2029, citing funding and timeline challenges.
In brief
Texas appeals federal order to air condition all prisons by 2029, citing funding and timeline challenges. Texas has appealed a federal court order requiring all state prisons to be climate controlled by 2029, claiming the timeline would disrupt critical operations and funding. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
Texas Appeals Federal Order
Texas has appealed a federal judge’s order requiring all state prisons to be climate controlled by 2030 to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
State Requests Order Suspension
The state asked U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman to suspend his order to avoid disrupting Texas Department of Criminal Justice operations during the appeal.
TDCJ Plans Air Conditioning
Texas Department of Criminal Justice plans to air condition all prisons but has not set a deadline, estimating the effort would cost $1.5 billion.
Judge’s Ruling on Heat Conditions
Judge Robert Pitman ruled that extreme heat in Texas prisons likely violates constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.
Current Climate Control Status
As of October 1, just over a third of Texas prisons were fully climate controlled, leaving around 90,000 incarcerated Texans without air conditioning.
TDCJ’s Appeal Arguments
TDCJ claims it is difficult to meet the legal standard for deliberate indifference and that halting the order would not substantially harm inmates.
TDCJ’s 2028 Projection
TDCJ anticipates having 90,000 cool beds in 2028, leaving around 60,000 inmates without air conditioning as prison population exceeds 150,000.
Plaintiffs’ Response
Plaintiffs’ attorneys say TDCJ should prioritize making prisons more humane rather than fighting the court order.
Budget Discrepancy
TDCJ proposed $298 million for climate control but plaintiffs argue expansion dorms do not equate to direct air conditioning spending.
The big picture
Texas has appealed a federal court order requiring all state prisons to be climate controlled by 2029, claiming the timeline would disrupt critical operations and funding.
