AUSTIN, November 30 - Having the distinct honor of serving on both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Railroad Commission of Texas, I have seen our coast as an environmental eco-system with fisheries and natural habitats worthy of conservation and as an energy resource critical to the nation for its sustainable security and economic health. 

We enjoy a robust economy in Texas, and much of our economy depends on a strong, resilient coast.

About two years ago, the America’s WETLAND Foundation asked me to co-chair its Blue Ribbon Resilient Community Initiative for Texas. From Houston to Galveston to South Padre Island, we held forums on the perceived challenges facing Texas, and the risks if these problems aren’t addressed. This was not an attempt to create drama but to convene many diverse stakeholders --some who at times have differed--into a balanced discussion about what we can do to turn back the tide of coastal degradation.

Early in the process, we learned many citizens think of Texas as a state with a coast, not a coastal state. In a state as large as Texas, where much of the population resides far from the coast, we have to be vigilant about communicating the coast’s importance to those who only know it as a vacation destination. Our coast is a cultural treasure. It is the place many of us, including myself, have spent childhoods making lifetime memories. It is where our children learn to fish, surf, and to respect the power of the Gulf of Mexico, and where generations have made a living from the natural environment.

Now is the time to consider the future of coastal communities and the impact an ocean storm, drought or other calamity has on these areas. We plan for emergency response, but planning to help reduce casualties, destruction, and the economic cost of natural disasters, before they occur, should be a priority. Focusing on impact avoidance can be done respectfully and sensibly, and resiliency will occur when communities adapt to potential anticipated impacts. 

From the Blue Ribbon initiative, Texas: Star of America’s Energy Coast was born. A campaign to raise public awareness about the value of Texas’ coastal resources, this initiative has the potential to garner support for our coast – support that can translate into real dollars to sustain a coastal master plan and its implementation. Our coast generates thousands of much needed jobs extending beyond the coastal zone and barrier islands provide inland areas the first line of defense from natural disasters. One thing must be understood — we cannot sustain energy production off our shore and in our refineries without a balanced environmental strategy. 

Ensuring a healthy environment that supports our ports, industries, and the communities depending upon it requires communication. We must all realize our economic quality of life is linked to a healthy estuary system.  In order to have a strong Texas, we must have a strong coast. I hope all Texans will consider the challenge of protecting one of our must critical shared assets, the Texas Coast.

Buddy Garcia is currently a Commissioner at the Railroad Commission of Texas and formerly served as Commissioner and Chairman at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Garcia grew up in Brownsville, Texas and still enjoys spending time on South Padre Island with his family. For more information about America’s Energy Coast visit: www.americaswetland.com