LINKS TO TEXAS STATE AGENCIES
Agriculture Department
Texas Education Agency
Parks & Wildlife Dept.
Ethics Commission
Protection and Regulatory Services Dept.
General Land Office
Public Safety
Governor’s Office
Public Utility Commission
General Services Commission
Railroad Commission
Health & Human Services Commission
POSITIONS ON NATURAL RESOURCES & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
NATURAL RESOURCES
First League Action: In 1933, the League supported the Muscle Shoals Act, which instituted government programs to protect natural resources, reclaim the land and manage water resources from major river systems in the southeast.
Most significant contribution: In 1972, the League served as the leading member of a coalition that secured passage of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, now known as the Clean Water Act.
Current and future goals: Promoting an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise management of natural resources in the public interest.
Recent Actions: In 2002, LWV HA joined the Houston Quality of Life Coalition. In 2004–05, LWV HA supported additional funding for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
LWV HA members serve on the Regional Air Quality Planning committee, the Clean Air Coalition, Ghasp, the Galveston Bay Council, Harris County Flood Control Task Force and the Environment Committee of the Greater Houston Partnership.
Members monitor state and local legislation, educate the public about toxic substance and water quality issues, and continue to lobby for stronger laws on air and water quality. LWV HA members continue to lobby on solid waste issues, urging incentives that enable recycled materials to compete effectively.
LWV HA Local Positions on Natural Resources include positions on
● Building Codes in Coastal Areas
● Flood Control
● Parks/Recreation
● Solid Waste Management
● Toxic Substances
● Transportation
● Water Resources
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Current First League Action: In 1923, the League supported U.S. entry into the World Court, opposing American isolationism.
Most significant contribution: In 1944, following the Dumbarton Oaks Conference that led to the creation of the United Nations, the League trained 5,000 speakers and distributed a million brochures to educate the public on the UN and America’s international role. President Truman invited the League to be one of the 42 NGOs to serve as consultants to the newly formed world organization.
Current and future goals: Fostering the development of open and responsive government in Eastern Europe’s emerging democracies.
Recent Activities: In 2005 and 2006, the LWVEF was selected by the Open World Leadership Center to host 30 Russian visitors as part of the 2005 Russia Civic Hosting Program.
In 2006, the LWVEF joined with the National Council of Women of Kenya to sponsor Kenyans Working Together for Good Governance.
Most positions on International Relations are National Positions. LWV HA Local Positions on International Relations include a position on Immigration.
For a complete discussion of these positions and the actions taken, download the PDF, the LWV HA Program for Study and Action: A Guide to Local League Program.
Updated: October, 2009