Texas Governor Greg Abbott renewed and amended a disaster proclamation last Sunday, originally issued in July 2022, in response to ongoing drought conditions. According to the Office of the Texas Governor, the decision follows confirmation from the Texas Division of Emergency Management that drought conditions persist in several counties.
The drought continues to affect large areas of Texas, leading Governor Abbott to declare a state of disaster in over 70 counties. "WHEREAS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that those same drought conditions persist in certain counties in Texas," Abbott stated. The declaration allows state and local entities to use all available resources to address the drought and its effects, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Governor Abbott has authorized measures to accelerate Texas's response to the ongoing drought by easing regulatory constraints and mobilizing resources. His proclamation states, "Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, 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 proclamation requires amended copies to be properly logged to meet statutory requirements as the state implements its response efforts, as mentioned by the Office of the Texas Governor.
