78R11311 MW-D

By:  Chavez                                                       H.R. No. 778



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Arturo Duran of El Paso County is an outstanding 
professional whose work in environmental affairs is truly worthy of 
special recognition; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Mr. Duran grew up in 
Ciudad Juarez, where he was a distinguished student and served as 
official speaker for the city of Juarez for winning first place in a 
national speech contest; after graduating from high school, he 
immigrated to the United States and attended New Mexico State 
University in Las Cruces, earning bachelor's and master's degrees 
in chemical engineering; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Duran has more than 12 years of management 
experience, including nearly a decade working with the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency on environmental restoration, 
waste management programs, and national policies; currently, he is 
the general manager of the Lower Valley Water District in El Paso 
County; and
	WHEREAS, In 2003, he was appointed to the Joint Public 
Advisory Committee of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation 
of North America; recently, he was chosen to be the chairman from 
Texas to the business advisory council of the National Republican 
Congressional Committee; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Duran's past professional service includes 
serving as the U.S. Cochair for Health, Environment and Urban 
Development between the United States and Mexico as well as health 
and environmental advisor for 23 governors from the western United 
States; he also has shared his expertise as advisor and facilitator 
for the Interagency Task Force for Economic Development for the 
Southwest Border; and
	WHEREAS, His bicultural experiences make Mr. Duran an 
invaluable conduit between the United States and Mexico, and his 
efforts to protect and sustain the two countries' natural resources 
have helped to improve the quality of life on both sides of the 
border; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor Arturo Duran for his work and extend to him 
best wishes for future success and happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Duran as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.