Governor Greg Abbott renewed and amended a disaster proclamation on March 18 for numerous Texas counties due to ongoing exceptional drought conditions. The proclamation, originally issued in July 2022 and extended several times since, cites confirmation from the Texas Division of Emergency Management that drought persists in certain areas, increasing wildfire risks.
The renewal allows state agencies and political subdivisions to use all available resources necessary to address the disaster. It also suspends regulatory statutes or rules that could hinder emergency response efforts, with written approval from the Office of the Governor. “Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster,” Abbott said in the official statement.
The affected counties include Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Borden, Bowie, Brazos, Brewster, Brooks, Burleson, Burnet and many others across Texas. The order remains effective until further notice and directs copies of the proclamation be filed with relevant authorities.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott has led his office since his election in 2014 and has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties and border security. The office is based at the State Insurance Building in Austin but delivers services statewide according to its website. Abbott was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to official sources.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has contributed to record employment levels and jobs growth across Texas according to its official site. As drought conditions continue to affect large portions of the state and increase wildfire danger in many communities, officials say these emergency measures are intended to help protect lives and property.
