The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Amidst record drought conditions in Texas, the Secretary of State announced today that Texas voters passed two important initiatives supported by The Nature Conservancy to protect our water supply during the November 8, 2011 statewide constitutional amendment election.

Proposition 2, a statewide initiative, will help local communities grow and maintain their water supplies by allowing the state to create a revolving $6 billion bond package to finance water conservation, water supply, sewage and flood control projects.

In addition, voters in Travis County passed their own Proposition 2, which sets aside $83 million to preserve Travis County’s fragile water supplies and ensure water quality. It also funds countywide land conservation efforts and park improvements, all of which will benefit Travis County residents for generations to come.

Unfortunately, Proposition 8, which would have would have had a significant impact on Texas water conservation efforts by creating tax incentives for landowners who take measures to conserve water and preserve water quality did not pass at the hands of voters. The revenue neutral proposition was supported by farmers, ranchers, landowners, taxpayers’ organizations and conservation groups. Backed by both Republicans and Democrats, it was passed unanimously by the Texas Legislature in May 2011.

“The Nature Conservancy is pleased that two of the three important initiatives supporting water protection passed at the hands of voters last night,” said Laura Huffman, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Texas. “The Conservancy and our supporters will continue to work with legislators to pursue additional tools to ensure future generations have the clean, reliable water supply they will need.”