HOUSTON -- As air quality meters continue to pick up high concentrations of benzene in the air in parts of Southeast Houston, mayor Bill White announced the city's next plan of action in the battle against hazardous emissions, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

"It's a simple request but a very bold request," White said. "It's a request that will help the people of Houston know what's in their air and take the appropriate response."

On Thursday, White filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency to change the way they calculate harmful emissions.

Currently, the government relies on formulas and equations. The mayor said direct observation would provide more accurate data.

While he expects opposition from some petrochemical and refining plants, he said he believes this is a necessary step.

"We would ask for members of the industry to come forth and join us in our request for better data," White said. "You can't make good decisions without good information."

The mayor said if some in the industry believe he's overstating the amount of toxic emissions, then they should join this effort to find out the real truth.

Juan Parras lives in Houston's east-end, and like many in his community, feels that more needs to be done to reduce hazardous chemicals being released into the air by nearby plants.

Some east-end residents like Juan Parras, who lives near Manchester, said he believes the federal government is the best way to make a change.

"We're trying to educate people that you can't live like this, and generation after generation, you continue live here and are bombarded," Parras said. "The industry has to clean up."

The mayor said that if accepted, the EPA would not have to amend the Clean Air Act to change to direct observation.

He hopes the fact that approval from Congress would not be needed will help make this a quick transition.