State Legislation:
Protect the Environment, Boost the Economy

After years of pressure from TCE and our supporters, the 2011 Texas Legislature passed a new law requiring television manufacturers to provide consumers with free recycling for obsolete TVs. The Texas Television TakeBack Law is a huge victory, but we still need to work to ensure that all Texans will have access to convenient recycling options. This year, TCE is continuing to work with state lawmakers and retailers to improve recycling and reduce pollution in our air, water and land.

You can encourage your elected officials to support positive legislation today. Your letters have played a key role in our progress so far and they will continue to make a big impact. Click here to download a letter to send to your State Senator and Representative!

Funding Recycling and Waste Reduction Programs

Currently, a portion of landfill disposal fees goes toward the state environmental agency and toward regional programs to give local governments grants that fund recycling, waste prevention, hazardous waste collection and other important services. We support amending HB 7 (Darby, R-San Angelo) which in its current form would reduce this funding and give less to local governments. Municipalities need this money to serve their communities.

Market-Based Solutions to Reduce Air Pollution

The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) is a very successful program which provides grants to individuals, businesses and local governments to buy newer, cleaner vehicles and machinery in order to reduce air pollution. We support SB 1727 (Deuell, R-Greenville) which would restore funding to this program and otherwise expand opportunities for reducting air pollution in Texas.

Giving Municipal Ratepayers a Say in Their Utility

Right now there are efforts to dramatically change the governance of the City of Austin’s municipal utility, Austin Energy. We oppose SB 410 (Watson D-Austin), which would allow the city government to make these changes without ever submitting the decision to voters as the city’s charter allows. Texans outside of Austin should still be concerned about the state allowing for cavalier changes to city charters, while also attacking one of the greenest utilities in the country. Major changes in municipal utilities ought to be submitted to voters for approval.

Protect Air, Water, Property Rights

Texas residents, local governments and businesses currently have the right to challenge controversial polluting facilities by bringing evidence and witnesses before a neutral law judge. These hearings are crucial to ensure that communities have complete and accurate information when approving pollution permits. We oppose SB 957 (Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay), which would eliminate or dramatically curtail the right to challenge pollution permits. Nearby property owners, residents and businesses would have no way to contest a pollution permit until after it is already granted by the state environmental agency.

Your voice will be critical in passing positive environmental legislation in Texas. State lawmakers won't know what you want unless you contact them personally.
Please download and send your letter today!