Amid persistent drought, Gov. Abbott says Texas is prepared to build out, protect water supplies

State lawmakers found that “the projected shortfall could be underestimated” due to substantial population growth and increased droughts since 2021, according to a bill summary document.

As soon as 2030, insufficient water resources could cause Texas to lose about 785,000 jobs and $160 billion per year in the event of a “prolonged drought,” according to a report by the nonpartisan think tank Texas 2036.

“Farmers are already running out of water,” bill author Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said during a March committee hearing. “The state’s only sugar mill closed last year due to water scarcity. Cotton, grain and rice growers in several regions of our state are planning on less production each year. ... [Manufacturing] site selectors are debating whether Texas will have enough water if they come to build their factories.”

Since 2021, several Texas cities, including Dripping Springs, Conroe and Magnolia, have paused new development for a temporary period to prevent water shortages.

Also of note

During the June 11 interview, Abbott also emphasized the importance of strong cybersecurity infrastructure as Texas works to strengthen its water and energy systems.

“There have been stories where power systems were shut down, water systems were shut down, things like that, because of cyber attacks,” he told reporters. “Everything that we're working to try to expand and grow and maintain could be shut down by cyber attack. We need to upgrade and upgrade quickly.”

In early June, Abbott signed House Bill 150 into law. The measure, which takes effect Sept. 1, will create a San Antonio-based state cyber command center designed to anticipate and respond to potential cybersecurity threats.

Abbott said June 2 that cyberattacks from “hostile countries” happen frequently, endangering law enforcement agencies, health care centers and the state power grid.

“Texas—whether it be the state or local communities—we get hit by about 10,000 cybersecurity attacks... every day,” Abbott said June 11. “We've got to be perfect perpetually. They only have to be right one time.”