The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy released the following statement from Texas State Director, Laura Huffman, in response to water legislation filed today by Representative Allan Ritter:

“Hats off to Chairman Ritter and House Speaker Joe Straus for their leadership on water. In the third day of session, we have a robust legislative package addressing the needs of the State Water Plan.

Building on efforts that have continued since the last legislative session, the bills allocate $2 billion towards addressing Texas’ water crisis and establish a new mechanism to fund and prioritize projects in the State Water Plan.

The Conservancy is pleased to see a package that not only helps address our growing water challenges, but clearly recognizes the important role conservation must play in those efforts. The State Water Plan forecasts that nearly a quarter of our future supply will hinge on conservation; it is by far our least expensive option when it comes to stretching our water resources further.

The Conservancy also applauds the Chairman’s efforts to establish an entirely new fund for the water plan that requires regional prioritization. In a state as large as Texas where challenges vary from east to west, and north to south, finding workable solutions at the regional level will be key to meeting water demands across the board.
We encourage the 83rd legislature to work together to flesh out the finer details and ultimately pass this legislation. The Nature Conservancy will be standing by to help.”