- From the Texas Fiscal Size-Up.
- Chapter 9
What is Natural Resources Policy?
Natural Resource agencies play a major role in the state’s economy and in maintaining a healthy environment for Texans. State agencies charged with the responsibility of influencing the management and development of these resources do so through scientific research, planning, education, preservation, regulation, remediation, and financial assistance. Th ese activities are directed to the achievement of state goals such as clean air; clean water; safe management of waste; conservation and development of water through resource planning and financial assistance; safe production, fair pricing, and transportation of energy resources; supporting state and local parks and outdoor activities; development of agribusiness; administering child and special nutrition programs; managing state-owned lands and assets; and many others.
Executive Departments:
- Department of Agriculture: To partner with Texas farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness to expand markets while protecting public health; protect consumers by enforcing standards; fund child and adult nutrition programs; support research relating to Texas-produced food and fi bers; and administer programs promoting rural health and community and economic development.
- Animal Health Commission: To protect and enhance the health of Texas animal populations by preventing, controlling, and eliminating animal diseases; monitoring and diagnosing animal illnesses; responding to emergency situations involving animals; and promoting productivity and marketability while minimizing risks to human health.
- Commission on Environmental Quality: To strive to protect the state’s human and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development through environmental assessment, planning, permitting, and monitoring, and through pollution prevention and remediation activities.
- General Land Office and Veterans’ Land Board: The agency manages oil and gas leases on state lands; investments of the Permanent School Fund; appraisals of state-owned property; coastal erosion grants; archives of historical land records; and the Alamo Complex. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is the lead agency for oil spill prevention and response, and disburses disaster-related grants for rebuilding housing and infrastructure. The Veterans’ Land Board (VLB) administers land and housing loans and long-term care, and manages cemeteries for Texas veterans.
- Low-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission: To uphold the compact between Texas and Vermont to manage low-level radioactive waste generated within the two states by cooperating to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their residents and the environment; and by providing for and encouraging the economic management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste.
- Parks and Wildlife Department: Manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and provide hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities; enforce hunting and fishing laws; and safely operate state parks, historic sites, natural areas, and wildlife management areas.
- Railroad Commission: To regulate the state’s oil and natural gas industries, with responsibilities for permitting, monitoring, and inspecting facilities. The agency works to ensure the safe production and transportation of the state’s energy resources, while protecting public health and the environment. The agency also works to ensure fair pricing through its oversight of gas utilities rates.
- Soil and Water Conservation Board: To work in conjunction with local soil and water conservation districts to encourage wise and productive use of natural resources, including soil conservation projects, flood control dam construction and maintenance, management and abatement of agricultural and silvicultural (forestry) nonpoint source water pollution, and water supply enhancement.
- Water Development Board: To provide leadership, information, education, and support for planning, financial assistance, and outreach for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas.
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