Texas Rejects Green New Deal Dreams, Fortifies Coastal Waters With Proven Leaders

Texas stands at a crossroads. Its coastal waters, vital to millions, face unprecedented strain from rising seas, intensifying storms, and a growing population. Governor Greg Abbott, never one to shy away from action, has made a decisive move by appointing Antonio Santana and Hannah Kaplan, alongside reappointing Jon 'Mark' Sjolander, to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors. These choices aren’t just bureaucratic reshuffling; they signal a clear intent to safeguard Texas’ water resources with pragmatic, locally rooted leadership.

The Coastal Water Authority, overseeing water transport and delivery across Harris, Chambers, and Liberty Counties, is no small player. It’s a linchpin in ensuring that homes, farms, and industries have the water they need to thrive. Abbott’s picks reflect a belief that the best solutions come from those who understand the land and its people, not from distant regulators or ivory-tower theorists. Santana, Kaplan, and Sjolander bring diverse expertise, from technology to sustainable aquaculture to resource development, poised to tackle the complex challenges ahead.

Contrast this with the approach of federal agencies or urban-centric policymakers, who often push one-size-fits-all mandates that ignore Texas’ unique needs. The Biden administration’s climate policies, for instance, leaned heavily on restrictive regulations and green energy pipe dreams, sidelining practical infrastructure investments. Texas, under Abbott’s stewardship, rejects that playbook. These appointments underscore a commitment to local control, innovation, and results-driven governance.

Let’s not sugarcoat the stakes. Ocean temperatures have climbed 1.45°C since pre-industrial times, fueling stronger storms and rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities like Galveston. Flooding events are now five times more frequent than in the 1950s, and every inch of sea level rise erodes roughly 2.5 meters of precious beachfront. Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources is no longer a hypothetical; it’s a growing reality that could cripple agriculture and drinking water supplies.

Yet, the answer isn’t to kneel before apocalyptic climate narratives or surrender to centralized overreach. Santana, with his tech expertise from Xylem Inc., is well-positioned to drive innovations in water management systems, ensuring efficiency and resilience. His background in strategic leadership suggests a focus on practical, scalable solutions, not chasing headlines with untested tech or bloated budgets. Similarly, Sjolander’s deep ties to Liberty County and his experience in resource development ground him in the realities of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Then there’s Kaplan, whose work with Texas Sustainable Oysters is a masterclass in aligning profit with purpose. Oyster mariculture isn’t just a niche industry; it’s a lifeline for coastal ecosystems. A single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water daily, improving quality while bolstering shoreline defenses. Kaplan’s firsthand knowledge of aquaculture’s potential to restore ecosystems while creating jobs makes her a standout. Her appointment signals that Texas sees sustainable practices as a path to prosperity, not a burden imposed by out-of-touch elites.

Some argue that climate and water challenges demand sweeping federal intervention or international accords. They point to UNESCO or EPA reports calling for global marine restoration or massive regulatory overhauls. But those plans often crumble under the weight of their own ambition, ignoring the nuanced needs of places like Texas. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, for example, promised $69 billion for water infrastructure, yet funds are trickling out at a snail’s pace, eroded by inflation and red tape. Texas can’t afford to wait for Washington’s lethargy.

Abbott’s appointees embody a different approach: empower local leaders who know the terrain. Sjolander, as chairman of the Liberty County Central Appraisal District, has navigated the intricacies of land and resource management. His reappointment ensures continuity and a steady hand. Santana’s tech acumen could modernize the Authority’s aging systems, addressing the C- grade given to U.S. drinking water infrastructure by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Kaplan’s aquaculture expertise aligns with Texas’ push for sustainable water solutions, like the $1 billion water fund approved in 2023 to bolster infrastructure.

This isn’t to dismiss the broader climate conversation. Ocean acidification, up 30% since pre-industrial times, and wetland losses are real concerns. But Texas is already acting. Senate Bill 7, passed unanimously in 2025, prioritizes new water sources like desalination while protecting freshwater reserves. The state’s proposed water grid aims to connect wet and dry regions, a bold move no federal agency has matched. Abbott’s board picks are the boots on the ground to make these policies work.

Of course, these appointments await Senate confirmation, a process that’s not without its tensions. The Texas Senate’s Nominations Committee will scrutinize Santana, Kaplan, and Sjolander, ensuring they’re up to the task. Recent confirmations, like Justin Berry’s contentious reappointment to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, show that the process isn’t a rubber stamp. It’s a firewall against unqualified or controversial picks, rooted in Texas’ constitutional checks and balances.

Skeptics might worry about political grandstanding delaying progress. But the Senate’s role is to vet, not veto, qualified leaders. Santana’s corporate experience, Kaplan’s entrepreneurial grit, and Sjolander’s proven track record should clear the bar. Their appointments aren’t about ideology; they’re about competence. Texas’ water future depends on leaders who can deliver, not on partisan point-scoring.

Texas’ approach offers a model for other states grappling with water and climate challenges. By appointing leaders with real-world experience, investing in targeted infrastructure, and prioritizing local control, Texas is charting a path that balances growth with resilience. The Coastal Water Authority, under this new board, could become a beacon of innovation, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice prosperity to protect the environment.

Abbott’s bold appointments are a call to action. Santana, Kaplan, and Sjolander have the tools and the mandate to secure Texas’ coastal water future. They face daunting challenges, from rising seas to strained supplies, but their expertise and Texas’ can-do spirit are more than equal to the task. The nation should take note: when it comes to water security, Texas isn’t waiting for permission or handouts. It’s leading the way.