EXECUTIVE C.RDER
BY THE
Governor of the Sta,te of Texas
THE STATE OF TEXAS
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
AUSTIN, TEXAS
AWR 91-17
CREATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIES TRANSITION COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 2 as enacted by the 72nd Legislature, First Called
Session, provides for consolidation of the state's environmental regulatory programs into a new
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission on Sepulmber 1, 1993; and
WHEREAS, certain environmental programs currently administered by the Texas
Departmenf of Health will transfer to the Texas Water Commission on March 1, 1992; and
WHEREAS, creation of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
will strengthen environmental protection programs while ens:uring fair and consistent regulation
of businesses and other regulated parties; and
WHEREAS, consolidation of programs also provides opportunities to reduce
duplication of effort and services, allow more creative approaches to solving problems,
emphasize pollution prevention, and improve the agency's responsiveness to public concerns;
and
WHEREAS, achieving these goals for the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission requires a comprehensive management planning effort during the transition period
preceding the reorganization; and
WHEREAS, the public interest and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission will be best served by allowing a broad rangcl of interests to participate in this
transition planning effort;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ann W. Richards, Governor of Texas, under the
authority vested in me, do hereby create the Environmental Agencies Transition Committee.
The Committee is composed of 18 persons appointed by thCl Governor. The Committee shall
be chaired by John Hall, Chairman of the Texas Water Commission. Kirk Watson, Chairman
of the Texas Air Control Board, shall serve as Vice-Chairman. The Committee shall meet at
least monthly and at the call of the Chairman. Staff support for the Committee's activities shall
be provided by the Texas Water Commission, the Texas Air Control Board, and the Office of
the Governor.
The Committee's task is to review the programs that will be consolidated in the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and to develop a reorganization plan and
schedule that will guarantee a smooth and efficient reorganization.
AWR 91-17
Page 2 of2
In developing the plan, the Committee shall seek to: 1) minimize disruption of
services both during the transition period and after the reorganization; 2) ensure continued
enforcement of the state's environmental laws and regulations both during the transition period
and after the reorganization; 3) maximize federal funding; 4) establish effective accounting and
information management systems for the Commission; 5) eliminate duplication of functions and
activities within the Commission; 6) ensure public participation in the planning process as well
as in the Commission's programs; and 7) assure the Commission's ability to respond effectively
to public and local government concerns.
The Committee shall complete its initial reorganization plan and any
recommendations for legislation by November 30, 1992. The plan and recommendations shall
be submitted to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
The Committee shall cooperate with the Legislative Oversight Committee
established by Senate Bill 2 and with other legislative committees charged with oversight of the
state's environmental programs.
SEAL OF STATE OF TEXAS
~~~
Secretary of State
fiLED IN THE OFfiCE Of THE
SECRETARY Of STATE
DEC 4
1991