Texas Senate Unanimously Confirms H.S. Buddy Garcia
Term to Expire in August 2011

Today, the Texas Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment of H. S. Buddy Garcia of Austin to serve as a Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Prior to his appointment to the TCEQ, Garcia served as Texas’ Deputy Secretary of State. His term will expire August 31, 2011.

“I am deeply honored by the governor’s confidence in my ability to serve in this important role. I am gratified by the Senate’s support and unanimous vote of confidence. In my new position I fully intend to use good judgment, common sense and sound science in making decisions, while at the same time encouraging public participation in the process,” stated Garcia.

Previous to his service as the deputy secretary of state, Garcia served as senate liaison for the governor’s office and as a special assistant to the governor on Texas border affairs with Mexico. In 2004, Governor Rick Perry appointed Garcia as the border commerce coordinator where he worked on trade issues with Mexico and Canada, dealt with water and wastewater issues, and coordinated sales of electricity from Texas to Mexico. Prior to serving in the governor’s office, Garcia was legislative director for Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. and later served as border advisor to then-Lt. Governor Perry.

A native of Brownsville, Garcia graduated from St. Joseph Academy and received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University.

Contact: Andy Saenz
Phone: 512-239-5000
Pager: 512-896-4819