Because Texas is one of the most heavily populated states with substantial agriculture and industry, keeping pollution under control is a serious matter. Agricultural products are beef cattle, poultry, rice, pecans, and peanuts. Texas leads the Nation in oil, cattle, sheep, and cotton production. All of these products, if not carefully managed, can damage the air, land, and water.
Water quality is a vital concern, especially in the semi-arid western plains.
As our Nation's border with Mexico, environmental impacts to the Rio Grande River affect both countries. Some of Texas' environmental programs are Texas Voluntary Cleanup Program, Clean Texas 2000, Pollution Prevention and Conservation, Recycling, and Strategic Partnerships.