New legislation signed by Gov. Rick Perry on Friday will prohibit Texas homeowners associations (HOAs) from banning water-efficient landscaping. Under Senate Bill 198 (Watson; Dukes), which goes into effect September 1, 2013, HOAs can still require prior approval before homeowners can switch to such landscapes, and HOAs can adopt guidelines that determine what kind of plants are acceptable, as long as such guidelines do not “unreasonably restrict” water-conserving landscapes.

Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter praised the law as an important way for our drought-stricken state to address its water needs.

Help expand the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) solar lease program so even more members can go solar! Click here to tell PEC management that you support more solar for PEC!

Late last year, the PEC created a pilot solar lease program so owner-members can enjoy the financial benefits of roof-top solar if they choose to. The PEC board is now considering creating a community solar program that will allow PEC members to take advantage of solar even if their rooftops are not suitable for on-site panels due to shade or other factors. Participants in a community solar program purchase a share of a solar installation than can be hundreds of miles away, and the energy their share produces is credited to their account.

A bill that ensures Texas homeowners the right to install drought-resistant landscaping despite restrictions from some neighborhood associations has passed the House with no opposition and now goes to the governor's desk for his signature.

Many of Texas' Property Owners Associations — estimated to number around 25,000 — currently have rules in place that limit or ban drought-efficient landscapes. Senate Bill 198, authored by State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, will still allow associations to give prior approval to, and lay down guidelines for, revisions to homeowners' yards, as long as they do not unreasonably restrict or ban xeriscaping — a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that uses water-conserving techniques.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just proposed long-overdue power plant pollution standards to limit the amount of toxic metals and other chemicals that can be dumped in our water. Unfortunately the coal industry is already trying to block them.

Tell EPA to require power plants to clean up all of their pollution, not just some of it - send your comments today!

Spring Leadership Conference 2013

Bob Wendelgass opening the Spring Leadership Conference

The Texas Legislature is considering measures to stop homeowners associations (HOAs) from banning water-efficient landscapes, or xeriscapes. Ask your legislator to support these bills today!

Many, if not most, HOAs require front and side yards within their neighborhoods to be covered with turf grass that needs frequent watering. Read more about HOA landscaping policies and water conservation here.

Is this ‘drought’ or is it…Texas? This is the question that imposes itself, as the drought wears on and as experts warn us to brace for a warmer climate. Drought has become our new norm, and water levels in reservoirs across the state continue to drop. We all need to do our part to create a ‘culture of water conservation’ that will help assure an adequate supply for our children and our state’s ecosystems.

We’re Back! The 83rd session of the Texas Legislature is underway, and until the end of May lawmakers will be focused on a host of major issues including education, transportation, and water supply. Clean Water Action is once again joining citizens’ organizations from across the state in the Alliance for a Clean Texas (ACT). The groups set common priorities and coordinate efforts through ACT, releasing position papers on six areas: Water, Air, Energy, Land, Waste, and Civic Participation. ACT is also organizing a Lobby Day for March 22.

Join us to tell legislators they should make protecting our environment a top concern - click here