By: Herrero (Senate Sponsor - Hinojosa) H.C.R. No. 140

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 10, 2019; May 13, 2019, read first time and referred to Committee on Water & Rural Affairs; May 19, 2019, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; May 19, 2019, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Gulf of Mexico is an ocean basin bounded on the north, northeast, and northwest by the United States, on the south and southwest by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba; and

WHEREAS, Forming a vibrant region, the five Gulf states, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, contribute immeasurably to the nation's economy, security, energy, environment, culture, beauty, diversity, and resilience; and

WHEREAS, The Gulf of Mexico's watershed covers more than half of the continental United States; all the rivers in Texas drain into the gulf, which sustains diverse flora and fauna, providing food, shelter, and habitat to marine and estuarine organisms, shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife; and

WHEREAS, While supporting the nation's seafood industry, the gulf also draws people from across the country and around the world for recreational fishing and all manner of water sports; tourism generates hundreds of billions of dollars each year; and

WHEREAS, The Gulf region plays a vital role in our nation's defense and aerospace exploration; moreover, it is crucial to oil, gas, and energy production, as well as import and export trade; if it were a country, the region's economy would rank among the globe's top 10; and

WHEREAS, With its combination of commercial activity and natural beauty, the gulf draws a large population to its thousands of miles of shoreline; one of the most culturally diverse regions in the nation, it is home to millions of residents who trace their heritage to different continents and embrace the variety of traditions that converge in this unique place; and

WHEREAS, The continued dynamism of the Gulf of Mexico is a matter of tremendous import to the entire nation, and by increasing awareness of the region's myriad treasures and limitless value, we help to ensure a sustainable future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize 2020 as "The Year to Embrace the Gulf" and encourage all Texans to join in the observance; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official copies of this resolution to the Capitol press corps.

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