Texas Center for Policy Studies
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Public Interest Recommendations for a True Texas Environmental and Public Health Protection Agency

Please endorse a list of recommendations to improve the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Sunset legislation.
Sunset Commission Decision on TNRCC

On September 20, the Sunset Commission made some good first steps towards improving TNRCC, but more changes will be needed.  Read more about the outcome.
What Happened at the June 21 TNRCC Hearing and Rally?

All the details plus pictures...
Response to Sunset Report

Public Interest Working Group's Response to the Sunset Staff Recommendations for TNRCC Sunset Report

Environmental Groups Are Critical in Press Release
Improving Environmental Responsibility in Texas: Opportunities for Tax and Fee Reform

PDF Report provides an overview of the tax structure in Texas and suggests short and long-term opportunities for environmental tax and fee reform.
Lone Star Ranking - Texas Environmental Indicators

 Links:
REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS TO TNRCC

Environmental Hotline!
1-888-777-3186

Sunset Commission

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

TNRCC SUNSET

Contact Information:

Coordinator: Erin Rogers 
erinrogers99@hotmail.com

4006 Speedway, 
Austin, TX 78704 
(512) 454-3050 ph                        (512) 454-6231 fax

 The Texas Center for Policy Studies has partnered with several statewide environmental and public interest organizations -- under the banner of the Public Interest Sunset Working Group --  in an attempt to reform Texas' environmental regulatory agency through the Sunset Review Process. This ambitious project seeks to identify and then carry out reforms necessary to better protect public health, the environment, and citizen rights. 

The Working Group, along with landowners, grassroots community groups, and concerned individuals from across the state has compiled a list of Recommendations that should be incorporated into the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Sunset legislation. The list details the most important changes the Sunset Commission can make to assure that the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission better protect public health and the environment.

Table of Contents:
Sunset Update
Sunset Process
Who is the Public Interest Sunset Working Group?
How You can Get Involved
Sunset Commissioners

Sunset Update

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission met in Austin on September 20 and reviewed a wide range of recommendations for proposed changes in the operations and policies of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). Overall, the Sunset Commission adopted some significant recommendations that if implemented will improve the TNRCC's work, but its recommendations also fall short of the comprehensive changes that environmental and other citizen groups feel are necessary to make TNRCC a strong and effective pollution control agency. Read more about the outcome.

A large team of Citizen Monitors came to Austin to monitor the Sunset Commission's vote. The Citizen Monitors wore "Eye on TNRCC" Badges and showed great interest in the Commission's recommendations. Such public interest continues to be crucial in assuring the recommendations are carried out through the Legislative process. 

Particular credit for going forward in adopting some good recommendations should go to the Sunset Commission Chair, Rep. Fred Bosse (D-Houston), Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpine),  Rep. Brian McCall (R-Plano), Sen. David Sibley (R-Waco), and Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo). 

Sunset Process

Every twelve years, the Sunset Advisory Commission reviews each state agency to recommend (1) whether the agencies should continue to exist and (2) if they should, how could the state improve the agencies to better fulfill their missions. This year, the Sunset Commission is reviewing the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department among other agencies.  The Sunset process represents an important opportunity for the public to have direct input into reforming Texas' environmental regulatory agencies. 

The Sunset Advisory Commission--four Representatives, four Senators, and two public members--follow four key steps to review an agency. 

  • The Sunset Commission begins the Sunset Review of each agency by first examining the agency's own "self evaluation report."  (The TNRCC's report is available online)
  • Then, Sunset Staff prepares a report on the results of its review including its recommendations for change. 
  • The Sunset Commission voted on a final set of recommendations on September 20, 2000.  These recommendations are then turned into legislation for consideration in the 2001 session of the Legislature.  The legislation calls for re-authorizing the agency with specific reforms in the agency's operation.  The Sunset legislation must pass for the agency to be re-authorized. For a full description of the meeting's outcome, click here.
In the past, the Sunset process has provided a very important opportunity for citizens to promote necessary changes in the way our environmental agencies operate.  For example, in 1985 the Sunset process produced major improvements in the enforcement statutes, adding new administrative penalty power and providing better directives to the agency on when enforcement action should be taken.  On the other hand, the regulated industries often attempt to use the Sunset process to weaken environmental agencies. 

Public Interest Sunset Working Group

The Public Interest Sunset Working Group has coordinated efforts to participate effectively in the TNRCC Sunset Review Process.  Group members formed task forces, prepared issue papers, issued a petition, met with the Sunset Commission Staff, and testified at the public hearing to voice issues of major concern. 

In addition, the Public Interest Sunset Working Group created a framework for informing and involving over 100 local citizen groups across Texas in the Sunset Review Process -- coordinating several activities including Citizen Monitor teams -- a process that provides several opportunities for direct public input. 

How You Can Become  Involved 

The 2000-2001 Sunset process provides you the opportunity to change the way our environmental agencies operate.  As part of the Sunset process, you can get involved by: 

  • Sending Coordinator Erin Rogers an email at erinrogers99@hotmail.com to receive periodic updates about what's happening in the Sunset process, or let us know about problems you've had with TNRCC. 
  • Viewing the Working Group Coalition's comments on top priority recommendations, click here.


Sunset Commission

The Sunset Commission is made up of four members of the Texas House of Representatives, four members of the Texas Senate and two public members.  The members of the Sunset Commission are:

House

Senate