The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the environmental agency for the U.S. stateofTexas. The commission is headquartered at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Austin.[1]
The agency was formed by act of the Texas Legislature in 1993 by consolidating the Texas Air Control Board (1965–1993) and Texas Water Commission (1985–1993) with the aim of increasing efficiency in enforcement of environmental laws, statutes, and regulations. They have come under fire in recent years for allowing fracking companies (hydraulic fracturing) to drill for gas within city limits which encompasses mostly residential areas. The TCEQ has been accused of derelict of duty, conflict of interest, and kickbacks, regarding shale gas and other air, land, water, and human risks. Shell gas emissions have placed Dallas and Houston in the top ten most polluted cities category. Originally known as the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, it acquired its present name in 2002.[2]
It is the primary state agency charged with enforcement of environmental regulations and with issuing air and water operating permits to businesses operating in Texas. These permits typically specify the types and maximum amounts of pollutants a permit holder may legally discharge into the air or state waterways.
The agency also spearheads Take Care of Texas, a personal responsibility campaign to help Texans decrease their negative impact on the environment.[3][4] The Take Care of Texas website offers suggestions on ways Texans can save money by making smarter environmental choices.[5]
The TCEQ administers water rights under the Texas Water Code which, among other provisions for riparian water rights, exempts use of water for watering livestock and drilling of oil and gas wells from the requirement of a permit. Water rights issued under permanent permits are administered under a priority system and have the status of property but are junior to Domestic and Livestock, D&I, riparian rights. Water rights under temporary permits are junior to those issued under permanent permits. Direct water administration in Texas is by the honor system unless a "watermaster" has been appointed by the TCEQ on petition by water rights holders and paid for by them.[6]
Bryan W. Shaw, Ph.D., Chairman
Carlos Rubinstein, Commissioner
Toby Baker, Commissioner
The TCEQ has three full-time commissioners, who are appointed by the governor, to establish overall agency direction and policy, and to make final determinations on contested permitting and enforcement matters. The commissioners are appointed for six-year terms with the advice and consent of the Texas Senate. A commissioner may not serve more than two six-year terms, and the terms are staggered so that a different member’s term expires every two years. The governor also names the chairman of the commission.
