Austin — Yesterday afternoon, state Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) was appointed to the Senate Natural Resources Committee and reappointed to the four standing committees on which he currently serves.

"I'd like to thank Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst for this appointment," said Nichols. "The decisions made by the Natural Resources Committee greatly affect the area of the state I represent. Being on the committee will allow me advocate strongly for East Texas, and help protect our region's natural assets."

The appointment to the Natural Resources Committee comes at an especially important time as the state struggles to create a fair water plan to meet the demands of a growing population and as the federal government seeks to impose greater air quality standards on states.

"It is undeniable Texas' prosperity is strongly tied to our states' abundant natural resources," said Nichols. "Effective and responsible use today will help ensure our state's success tomorrow."

In addition to his new appointment to the Natural Resources Committee, Nichols will continue to serve on the Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Nominations Committee and is the vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee. In October Lt. Gov. Dewhurst also appointed Nichols to serve on the Sunset Advisory Commission.

"It will make for an especially busy session, but I am thrilled to continue the work I have already started on these committees," said Nichols. "The more areas where I can directly represent my district the better."

Nichols began his service in the Texas Senate in 2007. The upcoming 82nd Legislative session, which begins in January, will be his third as the senator from Senate District 3. Previously, Nichols served for eight years as a transportation commissioner for the Texas Department of Transportation.

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