As Texas continues to grapple with persistent drought conditions, Governor Greg Abbott took significant action this week. Yesterday, Abbott amended and renewed the drought disaster proclamation that was initially issued over two years ago. This move acknowledges the enduring threat that this natural phenomenon poses to large swaths of the state.
In a proclamation on the official website of the Texas Governor, Abbott stated that the "exceptional drought conditions posed a threat of imminent disaster" in several Texas counties. Despite some areas showing improvement, Abbott's latest amendment now includes new counties such as Denton, El Paso, and Lubbock, among others. This amendment comes as the Texas Division of Emergency Management confirms, that the same severe conditions persist.
With this renewed proclamation, Governor Abbott has authorized the use of all available state and local resources to address the ongoing disaster. This includes lifting certain regulatory statutes that may prevent or delay the necessary actions required to mitigate the impact of the drought. For instance, red tape around contracting and procurement has been suspended, to ensure that emergency responses are not hindered, and to help protect lives and property.
Abbott’s directive offers a broad authorization: “Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.” And in terms of regulatory statutes, the proclamation states, "any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor." The Governor’s office pledges, full support for the counties affected, as they navigate the ongoing hardship.
