THE TEXAS ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE
Texas leads the nation,in generation of toxic substances and also faces serious and diverse environmental problems that include
.
S, state agencies also share responsibility for environmental enforcement with several federal agencies; and
S, specific environmental problesns and potential violations may fall within the jurisdiction of more than one state or federal agency;
EAS, other environmental problems and potential violations may fall outside the direct authority of any one state or federal agency; and
AS, legislation enacted by the 72nd Legislature creates additional administrative, civil and criminal penalties for violations of the
enviromnental laws and regulations; and
AS, no mechanism exists for coordinating the environmental enforcement activities of diffaent state agencies or ensuring that
environmental enforcement problems that fall under the jurisdiction of more than one state agency are addressed quickly and
mechanism exists for coordinating the environmental e n f o m e n t activities of Texas state agencies and federal authorities;
designated staff within the governor's office will coordinate the efforts of the Task Force. and serve as the primary contact person with the
al agencies. The Texas Water Commission will provide a staff person to chair the Task Force.
participating agencies shall absorb the costs of the Task Force activities within their respective agencies.
wed in Austin, Texas. on December 11, 1991.
Ann W. Richards
Governor of Texas