Staff Report
Balancing Progress & Preservation – Part 2
Strengthening Our Institutions
To meet the challenge of responsible development, we must strengthen the institutions that protect our land, air, and water.
First, our state agencies need more authority. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) should be empowered to do proactive monitoring & enforcement—not just issue permits. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) should be able to regulate overuse in drought-prone regions. And the Public Utility Commission (PUCT) must ensure that large-scale energy consumers don’t destabilize our grid or violate environmental limits.
Second, we must empower counties. Hays County should have expanded zoning authority under Chapter 231 to match the real-world pace of growth. Without this, rural residents will face industrial encroachment without meaningful tools to manage it.
Third, we need fiscal fairness. Cities can levy up to a 2% sales tax; counties are capped at 0.5%. That disparity limits rural infrastructure funding. Giving counties more flexible revenue options is essential if they’re going to oversee large developments that threaten local resources.
Fourth, we must insist on sustainable standards. Data centers can and should use renewable energy, invest in water recycling, and avoid siting in drought-sensitive areas. Responsible companies already do. We should expect no less in Hays County.
Lastly, we must make our voices heard. Reach out to state and federal representatives and ask them to support county control, environmental protections, and balanced growth. This is not a call to halt progress—it’s a call to shape it wisely.
Contact your Elected Officials!
TX Rep. Erin Zwiener: [email protected]
TX Rep. Carrie Isaac: [email protected]
TX Sen. Judith Zaffirini: [email protected]
US Rep. Greg Casar: (202) 225-5645
US Rep. Chip Roy: [email protected]
Find more at https://capitol.texas.gov
This is our home. It deserves thoughtful stewardship. Let’s rise to the moment.
Chase Norris
