LEGISLATORS DISCUSS FUTURE OF TEXAS' NATURAL RESOURCES

HOUSTON - The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources held a public hearing on Friday, January 16, at the Houston City Council Chambers. The committee is responsible for protecting Texas' vast and valuable natural resources while helping prepare for their future conservation and use. During the 75th Legislative Session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1 which detailed a comprehensive water conservation plan which will be implemented statewide.

Chairing the committee is the author of Senate Bill 1, Senator J.E. "Buster" Brown of Lake Jackson. Members include Senators Teel Bivins of Amarillo, Tom Haywood of Wichita Falls, Jon Lindsay of Houston, Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville, Steve Ogden of Bryan, and Carlos F. Truan of Corpus Christi.

The members heard testimony and held discussions on topics including the sighting of solid waste facilities as well as operations of Superfund and voluntary clean-up programs instituted by the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC). The committee also looked into the implementation of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative and the granting of general licensing authority to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The members will meet again next month, February 26, in El Paso. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the 76th Legislature when it convenes in January, 1999.

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