Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed a disaster proclamation concerning ongoing drought conditions in Texas. The original proclamation was issued on July 8, 2022, and has been updated several times as the situation continued.
According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, exceptional drought conditions still affect multiple counties across the state. As a result, the governor’s latest action extends disaster status to Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Burnet, Cameron, Clay, Collingsworth, Comanche, Culberson, Donley, Edwards, El Paso, Foard, Frio, Gillespie, Grayson, Hall, Hamilton, Hardeman, Hays, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Kleberg, Live Oak, Lubbock; Matagorda; McMullen; Medina; Midland; Nueces; Pecos; Presidio; Real; San Patricio; Terrell; Travis; Uvalde; Val Verde; Victoria; Wharton; Willacy; Wilson and Zapata Counties.
In his statement Governor Abbott said: “WHEREAS,the Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that those same drought conditions persist in certain counties in Texas;
NOW THEREFORE,in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code,I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in [listed counties].
Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code,I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.
Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code:any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent,hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. However,to the extent that enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster,I hereby authorize suspension of such statutes and rules for duration of this declared disaster.”
He further stated: “In accordance with statutory requirements,copies of this proclamation shall be filed with applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF,I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused Seal of State to be affixed at my office in City of Austin ,Texas,this 20th day August ,2025.”
The renewed proclamation allows agencies at both state and local levels to access additional resources as they respond to continuing drought-related challenges.
