Dallas, December 4, 2025
Dallas officials are weighing the potential closure of GAF and TAMKO, two industrial facilities, amid ongoing community advocacy against pollution and health risks. Supported by several council members, a memorandum calls for a consultant to assess the compensation needed for closures. This could lead to critical decisions on public health and environment as residents push back against the negative impacts of these plants, dubbed the ‘Toxic Twins.’ The City Council is expected to vote on the matter early next year.
Dallas Weighs Potential Closure of Industrial Sites Amid Community Concerns
Dallas, Texas – Dallas officials are currently evaluating a considerable decision regarding the potential closure of two prominent industrial facilities in southern and West Dallas: GAF, a roofing materials company, and TAMKO, a shingle manufacturer. This move comes on the heels of persistent advocacy from local residents and environmental groups who have raised alarms about pollution and health risks stemming from the operations at these plants.
City Council’s Recent Actions
On November 21, 2025, Council members Laura Cadena and Adam Bazaldua, representing Districts 6 and 7 respectively, submitted a memorandum to the city manager. They requested hiring a consultant to evaluate the compensation needed under local zoning and non-conforming-use laws—known as amortization—to facilitate the closure of these facilities. The memo has gained traction, receiving support from council members Chad West, Zarin Gracey, and Paula Blackmon. A decision from the City Council is anticipated within 30 days following the consultant’s report, which could bring the matter to the forefront in early 2026.
Community and Environmental Concerns
Residents and environmental justice advocates have long targeted GAF and TAMKO, often referring to them as the “Toxic Twins.” Locals argue that the emissions from these plants have significantly impaired air quality and adversely affected health in surrounding areas. In August 2025, Council member Bazaldua publicly announced intentions to formally assess and possibly close the plants, marking a watershed moment for community advocates for environmental justice.
Company Responses
TAMKO, which has had a presence in the Joppa area for nearly 40 years, articulated that relocating operations would incur costs exceeding $200 million. The company has reiterated its commitment to adhering to both state and federal regulations and expressed a willingness to work collaboratively with the city throughout the evaluation process. Meanwhile, GAF, which has operated in West Dallas for almost 80 years, had previously announced intentions to close its facility by July 2029, but community members are advocating for an expedited closure due to ongoing environmental apprehensions.
Background Context
The campaign for the shutdown of these industrial sites has been in the making for years. Numerous residents have reported health complications and environmental deterioration linked to the plants’ emissions. Notably, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 929 in 2023, requiring cities to provide compensation if businesses are compelled to shut down due to zoning modifications. This legislation plays a pivotal role in shaping Dallas’s approach toward potentially closing these operations. The city’s ongoing evaluation signifies a crucial step toward reconciling long-standing community grievances while attempting to maintain a balance between public health and business interests.
Next Steps
Currently, the city is moving forward with hiring a consultant tasked with determining the compensation that should be paid to the owners of the properties in question. Once this assessment is finalized, the City Council will discuss and vote on the proposed closures. The outcome is contingent upon various elements, including the findings of the consultant, decisions made by the council, and the city’s capacity to balance environmental and health objectives with economic realities.
Conclusion
The potential closure of GAF and TAMKO facilities marks a crucial turning point in Dallas’s efforts to address pressing environmental and health issues in affected neighborhoods. This decision is poised to carry significant implications for the community, the environment, and the local economy. As residents and stakeholders await forthcoming evaluations and decisions by city officials, there is a collective hope for a resolution that emphasizes public health and environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are GAF and TAMKO?
GAF is a roofing materials company headquartered in New Jersey, operating in West Dallas for almost 80 years. TAMKO is a shingle manufacturer that has been operating in the Joppa area for nearly 40 years.
Why are residents advocating for the closure of these facilities?
Residents and environmental justice groups have long criticized the operations of GAF and TAMKO, referring to them as the “Toxic Twins.” They argue that these plants have significantly contributed to poor air quality and health issues in nearby neighborhoods.
What is Senate Bill 929?
Senate Bill 929, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, requires cities to compensate businesses if they are forced to close due to zoning changes. This legislation has influenced Dallas’s approach to addressing the closure of these facilities.
What are the next steps in this process?
The city is in the process of hiring a consultant to determine the compensation owed to the owners of the shuttered properties. Once this assessment is completed, the City Council will deliberate and vote on the proposed closures.
When is the City Council expected to make a decision?
A decision is expected within 30 days of the consultant’s report, potentially bringing the matter before the City Council in early 2026.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Companies Involved | GAF and TAMKO |
| Location | Southern and West Dallas |
| Community Concerns | Environmental pollution and health issues |
| Legislation Impact | Senate Bill 929 requires compensation for forced closures |
| Next Steps | Consultant assessment and City Council vote |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
