Bill Aims to Prepare Texas for Climate Change

Photo by Bob Daemmrich

Houston Democrat Rodney Ellis introduced a bill to prepare Texas for global climate change.

*This article originally referred to Rodney Ellis as a State Representative, which is incorrect. He is a State Senator. We regret the error. 

In a state like Texas, where much of the political leadership still disagrees with the scientific consensus on global climate change, you might call Rodney Ellis a dreamer.

You might even say his new bill doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in an unusually hot Texas summer of passing.

But Ellis, a Democratic State Senator* from Houston, is introducing legislation to prepare Texas for the effects of global warming. And he seems unconcerned with the odds.

“A lot of places are moving towards adaptation now. Instead of arguing about whether the climate is getting warmer or not,” he told StateImpact Texas.

Senate Bill 78 aims mandates state agencies to devise climate adaptation plans. They would include a review of what climate change means for each agency’s mission, and steps for agencies to fulfill their mandates during anticipated climate change. Agencies listed in the bill include the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Public Utility Commission and the Department of Agriculture.

“I think that I’m going to get some support from agriculture people who increasingly realize that crop and livestock will be increasingly challenged,” Ellis said.

“Even if you are a climate change denier that’s OK. I think you would still agree that its worth having a dialogue. Putting plans in place. It won’t cost that much,” he added.

Ellis believes people will become more receptive to proposals like his, as sectors of the state economy feel the effects of rising temperatures rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns.