Texas Gubinatorial canditates stance on environmental issues today
RICK PERRY: PRE OFFICE As Texas Agriculture Commissioner Perry is proposing three legislative initiatives that involve no appropriation of state revenue. The first initiative would expand one part of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authoritys Linked Deposit Program, which now allows farmers and ranchers to borrow money at low interest rates to convert to more efficient irrigation systems. ... "If the cities of San Antonio, Austin or Corpus Christi or the counties of Potter and Wichita want to give property owners a tax break for landscaping with native Texas plants, clearing cedar or installing low-flush toilets, this legislation would provide them that option," Perry said. ... " The third initiative would create a Texas Department of Agriculture Native Texas Landscape Certification Program for homes, businesses and state agencies. "This proposal takes existing legislation one step further by urging state agencies that create new landscapes to give preferences not just to xeriscaping, but also to native Texas plants," Perry said. "This proposal not only helps the state save water and maintenance costs, but it also can increase business for Texas nurseries, which make up this states fourth largest agricultural sector.