PURPOSE: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Local Official Advisory Committee (LOAC) established by ARCIT provides advice and recommendations that assist TCEQ in developing a stronger partnership with local governments. This is accomplished through building State and local capacity to deliver environmental services and programs consistent with sustainable economic development. The ultimate goal of the LOAC is to provide the citizens of Texas with more efficient and effective environmental protection at the community and State level.
ESTABLISHED: March, 2006 from request of ARCIT membership
MEMBERS: Up to 20 ARCIT local rural officials from cities, counties, economic development corporations, utility districts and engineers (Click here for a list of committee members)
MEETING FREQUENCY: Once a quarter with TCEQ in Austin or teleconference
MEETING DATES:
Meeting with TCEQ staff to discuss Statewide Environmental Project Models
March, 2007
Teleconference with full committee to discuss LOAC 2006-07 Priorities being met by HB 147 and HB 149.*
April, 2007
ARCIT's Annual Rural Summit in Austin. Vicky Rudy, ARCIT Board Member and LOAC Chair, facilitated the meeting. The LOAC recommended the 2007-08 Interim Priorities to the ARCIT Board
October 29, 2007
The ARCIT Board voted to approve the 2007-08 LOAC Priorities at the December 2007 Board meeting.
December, 2007
Meeting with TCEQ staff to discuss aerobic system maintenance, certificate of convenience and necessity,
ground water conservation districts, storm water phase II, sanitary control easements and source water
protection
Teleconference/email updates on developing status of above identified issues - Fall, 2008
February 22, 2008
January - May, 2009 ARCIT staff will monitor rural environmental legislation and make the LOAC aware of any cumbersome legislation proposed.
January, 2009
ARCIT staff identified several pieces of legislation that would have been harmful to rural communities. The LOAC and ARCIT members responded with letters/faxes to their Senators/Representatives and the legislation was altered to no longer apply to rural communities.
Combined meeting with all 3 ARCIT advisory committeeswith guest speakers from Tx Department of Agriculture, Tx Dept of Housing and Community Affairs, Tx Dept of Rural Affairs, TX State Affordable Housing Corporation and TX Commission on Environmental Quality
January -May, 2009
October 28, 2009
Next LOAC Meeting
February 12, 2010
NOTE: In the 80th Texas Legislature, HB 147 and HB 149 meet top LOAC priority goals!
See Rural Bill Tracking Chart
If you are interested in applying to serve on ARCIT's Local Official Advisory Committee to TCEQ,
complete the Advisory Committee Application and fax or mail to ARCIT staff.
Association of Rural Communities in Texas
P.O. Box 200847
Austin, TX 78720-0847
ph 512.331.1354 fax 512.331.1462 info@arcit.org
