On July 4th, Central Texas experienced tragic flooding with unprecedented loss of life. Nearly every city and town was affected by the losses, and we remain reverent with sorrow and ever-humbled by the power of nature and the effects of a changing climate.
Flood warning systems, relief measures, and flood resilience were a focus during part of the Texas Legislature’s recent bumpy season, with multiple special sessions convened by Governor Greg Abbott. One significant outcome of the session is Proposition 4, a statewide ballot initiative to dedicate up to $1 billion per year for 20 years to water infrastructure funding, which will be decided on by voters in November.
While Prop 4 is not a perfect vehicle and will require vigilance in shaping its use towards environmental projects, it is a big step forward in putting resources into sorely-needed coffers for water systems across Texas.
Clean Water Action and our allies will continue to push for water efficiency and conservation (repairing leaky pipes, for instance) ahead of large, power-hungry, industrial-scale desalination operations or establishment of new reservoirs. We will be pushing for projects that engineer with the principles of nature in mind to restore water balance to land, humans, flora, and fauna—and better serve communities who haven’t seen the benefits of infrastructure projects in the past.
