Save the Christmas Mountains, Progress

Environment Texas has been working hard on the Christmas Mountains transaction. I recieved the following update from Luke Metzker, Director.

Summary: The Christmas Mountains, a ruggedly beautiful wilderness area adjacent to Big Bend National Park, were donated to the state of Texas in 1991 “for use as and inclusion in a nature park, wildlife refuge, recreational area or similarly designated use area." However, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is working to sell the land to private interests.

Hi Mark,

I have some good news to report! First, last week the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to approve new standards to protect the Gulf of Mexico from overfishing. They approved a cap on the amount of menhaden that may be fished from Texas waters and will look into requiring independent observers on boats to monitor the "by-catch" of ocean wildlife. [1]

Second, some progress on the Christmas Mountains. In a recent letter to the superintendent of Big Bend National Park, Commissioner Patterson wrote that he has instructed his staff to work towards a transfer of the mountains to the National Park Service. Unfortunately, the Commissioner continues to push for policies that could be deal breakers. On May 5, I will testify before a legislative committee examining the controversy. [2]

Finally, after the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) received thousands of e-mails by Environment Texas supporters, the Commissioners agreed to delay action on rules related to solar energy. The PUC is now considering changes to the rules that would be more consumer-friendly. More on this next week. [3]

Sincerely,

Luke Metzger
Environment Texas Director
http://www.environmenttexas.org/