Lawmakers discuss groundwater concerns
Posted/updated on: April 15, 2026 at 5:17 am
NACOGDOCHES – Texas lawmakers gathered at the Lone Star Legislative Summit at Stephen F. Austin State University on Friday to talk with East Texans about the area’s ongoing groundwater issues.
2026 marks an interim year for the Texas Legislature, but that’s not stopping leaders from fighting for East Texans and the regions’ natural resources, according to our news partner KETK. The Lone Star Legislative Summit in Nacogdoches brought State Representatives, State Senators and other politicians to the rural community to discuss these issues and more.
Groundwater is held underneath land, and surface water is found in bodies of water. With the Pineywoods holding a lot of resources representatives like Alders feel our water is best kept at home. While retiring State Senator for District 3 Robert Nichols suggested that sharing with other Texans may end up pumping more than what’s needed. He wants to protect East Texas counties from giving too much water to other communities.
Several East Texas communities are still working to create their own conservation districts. Next year, lawmakers will meet to continue debating this issue in the 90th Texas Legislative Session.
