CONTACT: Gretchen Fox, 512-694-4326

AUSTIN, TEXAS – The following statement on water planning as discussed during today’s Texas House Natural Resource Committee hearing at the State Capitol should be attributed to Stephanie Simpson, spokeswoman for the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM):

“Texas manufacturers appreciate that water is essential to the lives and livelihoods of every Texan, and sufficient water supplies are central to our state’s economic prosperity.

“The Texas Association of Manufacturers knows our state must properly fund and implement a comprehensive water plan that includes smart strategies for water use alongside the necessary infrastructure we need to avert a near or long-term shortage of water.

“TAM is eager to collaborate with state leaders and other stakeholders to find workable, cost-effective solutions that meet our state’s water needs without hampering businesses’ ability to move our economy forward.

“Texas manufacturers lead by example, and we are among the state’s innovators in conservation programs developed through advanced technologies and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. For example, some manufacturers install industrial wastewater plants that return water to rivers cleaner than it was originally. Other manufacturers use special membranes for their facilities that remove solids and enable them to clean wastewater on site, conserving energy and reducing the need to use wastewater facilities. And, most of the water used in the paper manufacturing process is recycled and reused.

“Texas manufacturers are proud to lead the way, not only in job creation, but also in development of innovative water conservation and recycling programs. We look forward to working with our state leadership to be sure Texas has a sustainable water plan that will provide for our water needs today and maintain our position as an economic powerhouse in the future.”

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The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) represents over 400 large and small companies from every manufacturing sector, employing more than 838,000 Texans with an average compensation of $76,000 a year (the highest in the private sector). Texas Association of Manufacturers is online at www.manufacturetexas.org. Join TAM on Facebook.com/TXManufacturers.