Updates

We preserved a special part of Texas.

This fall, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson announced plans to transfer the ruggedly scenic Christmas Mountains to Texas State University, where the land will be open to all. Previously, Patterson proposed selling the mountains to private interests. But after a public outcry—including thousands of petition signatures from Environment Texas members—he promised to protect the Christmas Mountains forever.

News Release | Environment Texas

Senate panel votes to weaken citizen rights to protect communities from pollution

AUSTIN – This afternoon, the Senate Natural Resources committee voted 6-3 in favor of legislation to weaken the rights of Texans to protect their communities by challenging the permits of polluters. SB 957 (Fraser) makes major changes to the contested case hearing process, which has helped Texans win stronger environmental protections in permits to build new or modify existing landfills, hazardous waste facilities and power plants.

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News Release | Environment Texas

Funding for local parks zeroed out in budget

AUSTIN – Local parks would get zero funding under the latest version of the state budget, according to parks advocates at a news conference on the Capitol grounds this past Thursday. The group called on budget writers to restore funding for the program as they reconcile the budgets passed by the House and Senate.

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Blog Post

Town Hall Meetings on Drought and Water Conservation | Luke Metzger

We're in one of the worst droughts ever, yet billions of gallons of water are still wasted each year through inefficient practices, leaving very little for recreation and wildlife. The good news is we can meet our water needs and keep our rivers flowing for recreation and wildlife if Texas makes water conservation a priority.

Over the next few days, Environment Texas Research and Policy Center will host town halls meeting in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Brownsville to discuss Texas’s water future. 

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Blog Post

House committee considers repeal of renewable energy law | Luke Metzger

Yesterday, the House State Affairs committee held a hearing to consider HB 2026 (Sanford), a bill which would repeal Texas' successful renewable electricity standard. Thankfully, it doesn’t look like the bill is going anywhere.

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News Release | Environment Texas

Water Bill Includes Historic Increase in Funding for Conservation

Today the Texas House of Representatives adopted HB 4, which establishes a new water infrastructure fund to provide state assistance to water providers seeking to build new reservoirs, pipelines, and other supply projects. The bill sets aside 20% of funding for conservation and re-use projects. If companion bill HB 11, which transfers $2 billion from the rainy day fund to the new water fund, also passes, at least $400 million will go toward conservation and re-use.  The fund is expected to grow over time, so ultimately billions could go toward conservation in the coming decades

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