Such resources have allowed Texas to develop a diversified range of high-technology driven petrochemical and related industries as well as a sound agricultural base, both with environmental awareness and effective regulation. Oil and Gas Exploration and Development District II covers the southern part of Texas, and includes reserves in Cretaceous chalk, sandstones, and limestones as well as in Eocene sandstones. More than eight fields has been identified to date. The two lignite belts present in north-east Texas extend into south Texas. Two mine-mouth power plants operate in the area, and more mines are under development.
Additional mines are under consideration.
Geothermal Resources Geopressured geothermal resources were identified in the 1970's and attempts at development and commercialization were made with only limited success. This resource awaits development. Environmental Issues Water Supplies Population growth and economic development, coupled with a climate in which surface water resources are scarce, have imposed real and potential water-supply problems in many areas of Texas. In much of Texas, available surface storage capacity in existing reservoirs will barely be sufficient to meet water demands of continued industrialization and urban development, especially during critical droughts which are common occurrences over the long term. Extensive development of the readily available ground water has resulted over the past 20 years in several problems, some local in nature, while others are more widespread.