Texas House Bill HB2250

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/11
• Report Pass: 4/12/11

Caption

Relating to the abolition of the Coastal Coordination Council and the transfer of its functions to the General Land Office.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 2250 on state laws is the consolidation of coastal management functions under the GLO. This change is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of coastal resource management by removing what some may perceive as bureaucratic hurdles associated with the previous structure. The GLO is expected to develop a continuing, comprehensive coastal management program that reflects both state and federal policies while facilitating the oversight of activities impacting coastal areas. This could lead to improved coordination among state agencies and reduce redundancies in regulatory processes related to coastal activities.

Summary

House Bill 2250 is a legislative proposal aiming to abolish the Coastal Coordination Council in Texas and transfer its responsibilities to the General Land Office (GLO). This bill reflects a significant reorganization of coastal management in the state, which is essential given Texas’s extensive coastline and the various environmental challenges that come with it. The bill outlines that the GLO will assume the powers and duties previously held by the Coastal Coordination Council, ensuring a continued focus on the management of coastal resources while potentially streamlining the decision-making process.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the proposed changes. Advocates for the bill highlight that a more centralized approach to coastal management could lead to faster responses to environmental crises and more coherent policy implementation. However, opponents may express concerns about the potential reduction in local input and representation in coastal decision-making processes, as the Coastal Coordination Council included a more diverse set of stakeholders. Critics may argue that such a shift could undermine local knowledge and priorities, particularly in regions most affected by coastal management issues.