Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Texans must protect the environment to preserve clean air, clean water, and green spaces. Additionally, we must start a dialogue about ways to reduce our carbon emissions. During the 86th Legislative Session, climate change was not even whispered about in the Capitol. I joint-authored a bill with Rep. Rafael Anchia to establish a Commission on Climate Change, but the bill didn't get a hearing in committee. That must change.

We did take a step forward with the TERP (Texas Emissions Reduction Program) Fund to make sure the fund can be utilized for its original purpose. In past years, the fund has been used to balance the budget, and the money has not been appropriated for emissions reduction programs as it should. Additionally, I was able to pass legislation to allow for a confirmation election for the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District. An overwhelming 75% of voters confirmed the GCD and it is now up and running.

Our state level watchdog agency, TCEQ, has allowed COVID-19 to be an excuse to relax standards and not follow up on necessary regulations. Meanwhile, important interim committee work has come to a halt. Here are my plans going forward:

* Continue to push for a Climate Change Commission in Texas.
* Ensure incentives for renewable energy and plug-in electric vehicles stay in place.
* Work with the Citizens Climate Lobby to push forward the carbon tax and dividend model.
* Reduce gas flaring exemptions through monetary penalties.
* Improve safety requirements for above ground petroleum and chemical storage tanks.

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