Ann Powers
Editor

AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Brooke Paup as the chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Jan. 7.

TCEQ protects the state’s public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Paup’s term is set to expire on Aug. 31, 2027.

The Austin native was appointed to the Texas Water Development Board in February 2018. On April 22, 2021, Abbott designated her as the first woman chair in TWDB’s history.

As the TWDB chairwoman, Paup and 220 regional leaders visited Mineral Wells for the 2023 Water Summit hosted by Rep. Glenn Rogers, R-Graford, at the Crazy Water Hotel. She outlined Texas Proposition 6 calling for a one-time, $1 billion appropriation of general revenue to the Texas Water Fund.

The ballot measure was approved on Nov. 7, 2023.

Paup was also at the TWDB’s helm when a $200 million, low-interest, 30-year loan through the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas was approved for the Turkey Peak Reservoir Project, July 23, 2024.

Previously, Paup served as the director of legislative affairs for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and spent several years at the Office of the Attorney General. Additionally, she served as legislative counsel at the Office of State-Federal Relations in Washington, D.C. under Gov. Rick Perry.

Paup was appointed to the Environmental Flows Advisory Group in 2022 by Abbott. She is a council member of the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program and a member of the State Bar of Texas, Junior League and Symphony League.

Paup received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law.

Paup has 19 years of state government experience.