On Episode 17, the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast talks with Rachel Hanes, Policy Director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and Spanish from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, as well as a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Rachel has multiple years of experience in environmental and water policy, and she's worked extensively with nonprofits and all levels of governent. Before joining GEAA, Rachel served for three years as a program analyst for the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation in their Reclamation Law Administration Division. She also worked with the Colorado River Binational Program helping to manage and conserve water in the West. Rachel is a Texas native, having grown up in Fort Worth with frequent trips to Hill Country. Now, after short stints living and working out of state, she's thrilled to be back in San Antonio where she can merge her interests in water and environmental policy with her love of her home state and adopted city.

According to the State’s 2022 water plan, water availability is expected to decline by 18%, with groundwater seeing the steepest drop. If water supply can’t keep pace with demand, estimates suggest that Texas water supply could be in big trouble by 2030. Governor Abbott has declared a water emergency for the current legislative session and there are multiple water bills to watch and encourage. So, we took advantage of our time with Rachel to discuss the potential legislation in the 2025-2026 Texas Legislature.

DIVE DEEPER!

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