The Governor

As required by Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-13a, 
sec.6, the Texas Register
publishes executive orders issued
by the Governor of Texas.
are published in Chronological
order. Additional information on
documents submitted for publication
by the Governor's Office
can be obtained by calling
(512) 463-1814.



Appointments Made December 12, 1991


To be a member of the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board for
a term to expire August 31, 1997: Ray E. Santos, M.D., 4512 11th
Street, Lubbock, Texas 79416. Dr. Santos is being reappointed.


To be chairman of the Texas Turnpike
Authority Board of Directors
for a term at the pleasure of the Governor: Luther G. Jones,
Jr. of Corpus Christi. Mr. Jones will be replacing Clive Runnells
of Houston who will remain on the board.


To be a member of the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board for
a term to expire August 31, 1997: Rene Haas, 4751 Ocean Drive,
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411. Ms. Haas will be replacing Jess
Ben Latham, III of Amarillo, whose term expired.


To be a member of the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board for
a term to expire August 31, 1997: Andrew R. Melontree, 2801 North
Whitten, Tyler, Texas 75702. Commissioner Melontree will be replacing
Phillip G. Warner of Houston, whose term expired.


To be a member of the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board for
a term to expire August 31, 1997: Martha Miller, 206 Oak Hill
Road, Texarkana, Texas 75503. Ms. Miller will be replacing Regina
J. Rogers of Houston, whose term expired.


Issued in Austin, Texas, on December 13, 1991.

TRD-9115829

Ann W. Richards.

Governor of Texas

   
   

ISSUE OF December 20, 1991">


Executive Order

AWR 91-18


CREATING THE TEXAS ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE

WHEREAS, Texas leads the nation in generation of toxic substances
and also faces serious and diverse environmental problems that
include polluted air in the state's major urban areas, contaminated
surface and drinking water, degradation of coastal areas and
critical wildlife habitats, and solid waste disposal needs; and

WHEREAS, Texas would be better served by more cohesive and
consistent enforcement of state and federal environmental laws
and regulations; and

WHEREAS, numerous state agencies have responsibilities for
enforcement of Texas' environmental protection laws and regulations;
and

WHEREAS, state agencies also share responsibility for environmental
enforcement with several federal agencies; and

WHEREAS, specific environmental problems and potential violations
may fall within the jurisdiction of more than one state or federal
agency; and

WHEREAS, other environmental problems and potential violations
may fall outside the direct authority of any one state or federal
agency; and

WHEREAS, this fragmentation of responsibility has contributed
to the state's failure to protect public health and the environment,
to address citizen concerns, to respond to local government needs,
and to distinguish environmental violators from those responsible
businesses that comply with environmental standards; and

WHEREAS, legislation enacted by the 72nd Legislature creates
additional administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for
violations of the state's environmental laws and regulations;
and

WHEREAS, no mechanism exists for coordinating the environmental
enforcement activities of different state agencies or ensuring
that complex environmental enforcement problems that fall under
the jurisdiction of more than one state agency are addressed
quickly and effectively; and

WHEREAS, no mechanism exists for coordinating the environmental
enforcement activities of Texas state agencies and federal authorities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ann W. Richards, Governor of Texas, under
the authority vested in me, do hereby create the Texas Environmental
Enforcement Task Force. The Task Force is composed of designated
staff from the following state agencies: Texas Water Commission,
Texas Air Control Board, Texas Department of Health, Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department, Texas Attorney General's Office, General
Land Office; Texas Railroad Commission; and the Governor's Office.
The Task Force may be expanded to include additional agencies
as appropriate.

The Task Force shall meet monthly or at the call of the Chair.

The goal of the Task Force is to increase federal and state
cooperation in prosecuting criminal violations of state and federal
environmental laws.

Designated staff of the participating state agencies will
cooperate with the U.S. Attorney's Office, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in
conducting inspections, taking and analyzing samples, and performing
other functions necessary to support criminal investigations
and prosecutions. The state agencies will also cooperate with
the federal agencies in identifying and initiating criminal investigations.

The designated staff within the governor's office will coordinate
the efforts of the Task Force and serve as the primary contact
person with the federal agencies. The Texas Water Commission
will provide a staff person to chair the Task Force.

The participating agencies shall absorb the costs of the Task
Force activities within their respective agencies.


Issued in Austin, Texas, on December 11, 1991.

TRD-9115830

Ann W. Richards

Governor of Texas