Laura Bush Delivers Keynote Address On Conservation

Laura Bush is presented with the 2005 Texan of the Year Award by Carlton Schwab March 27 at the 49th Annual Texas Legislative Conference at the New Braunfels Civic Convention Center.

Former First Lady Laura Bush was an anticipated speaker March 27 at the 49th Annual Texas Legislative Conference.

The two-day conference consisted of panels covering topics including infrastructure, fracking and federalism. Bush gave the keynote address on her new organization, Taking Care of Texas, during a luncheon to conclude the event.

Bush was presented with the 2005 Texan of the Year award. She was unable to accept her award in 2005 because she and former President George W. Bush flew to Rome at the announcement of Pope John Paul II’s death.

Bush said the mission of Taking Care of Texas is to spur community-based efforts across the state.

“We hope to raise awareness of community land conservation efforts across our state,” Bush said.

She said community-based conservation efforts create opportunities in local settings, where citizens can observe the benefits of conservation in their community. Bush said grass-roots initiatives “bridge the divide” between those who believe in conservation and those who think conservation initiatives are “far-removed” from their community.

“By educating Texas, conservation efforts appear more accessible, whether it’s just turning off the faucet as you brush your teeth or choosing native plants to plant in your yard,” Bush said.

“All Texans, no matter where they live, depend on water, clean air and other life-giving services the environment provides,” Bush said.

“One of our goals at Taking Care of Texas is to illustrate conservation and the economy go hand-in-hand,” Bush said. “Conservation efforts can generate economic benefits for local communities.”

Evan Smith, editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune, moderated the “Federal Intervention and Texas Infrastructure” panel. Officials discussed the state’s responsibility in cross-air pollution policies and the role of federalism.

Governor Greg Abbott filed 31 lawsuits against the Obama administration during his time as attorney general, Smith said. Texas challenged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its actions on pollution, he said.

“We especially don’t like the EPA in Texas,” Smith said.

Bryan W. Shaw from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) said he wants to make sure the state is “chasing the right rabbit” in regards to pollution policies.

“By design, the states are designed to be sovereign,” said State Senator Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe.

Panelist and State Representative Donna Howard and Creighton disagreed on the specifics of the environmental platform. However, the panel agreed Texas has an obligation to take initiative in cross-air pollution policies.

“We believe that Texas should be the leader in conservation that is positive, science-based and collaborative,” Bush said.

Bush said Taking Care of Texas is partnering with local leaders to align resources and expertise in the effort to conserve Texas’ natural resources. She said the effort needs leaders across all sectors to produce change in a state as large as Texas.

“George and I learned that all we know we have is now,” Bush said. “Take advantage of life as it is and take a walk on the beach every chance you get.”