H.R. No. 3079
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Texas is fortunate to have passionate and engaged
residents like Edward H. Harte of Corpus Christi, whose committed
environmental advocacy has made the state a better place in which to
live and raise a family; and
WHEREAS, Born in Missouri in 1922, Ed Harte grew up in San
Angelo and earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College; he
served in the weather wing of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World
War II before beginning a career as a newspaper reporter; in 1952,
he returned to San Angelo as president of the Standard-Times, and he
went on to join the Corpus Christi Caller-Times; he accepted
further responsibility through the years, ultimately serving as
publisher of the paper from 1962 until his retirement in 1987; and
WHEREAS, Along the way, Mr. Harte developed a keen interest
in environmental issues and became active in such organizations as
the Audubon Society, which he served as chair, and the American
Farmland Trust, which he helped transform into a national
organization; he was a key proponent of the establishment of both
Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore, and
he worked with other concerned citizens to develop the first
municipal regulations that set limits on oil and gas drilling in
Corpus Christi Bay; moreover, he helped build the first statewide
conservation group as a founding member of the Conservation
Federation of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Perhaps the greatest example of Mr. Harte's vision
and generosity is his $46 million endowment to create the Harte
Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M
University-Corpus Christi; dedicated to supporting and advancing
the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of
Mexico, the institute has become a premier center for
interdisciplinary research and public policy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harte enjoyed the love and support of his wife,
Janet, for more than half a century before her death in 1999;
together they shared a love of birding and wildlife, which they
encouraged in their four children on trips throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Though it is impossible to gauge the full effect of
an individual's life, some people leave their unmistakable mark on
the world as they move through it, and Ed Harte is indeed one such
person; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor Edward H. Harte on his outstanding
contributions to the Lone Star State and extend to him sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Harte as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Hunter
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 3079 was adopted by the House on June
1, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House