Texas Nature Conservancy director to discuss state’s water woes at Baker Institute lecture

BY FRANZ BROTZEN
Rice News staff

Laura Huffman, executive director of The Nature Conservancy of Texas, will speak on the need for a sustainable and funded water conservation plan for the state Nov. 30 at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.

LAURA HUFFMAN

The lecture, “Water Is Not an Option: Texas’ Broken Promise to Future Generations,” will begin at 6 p.m. in Baker Hall’s Kelly International Conference Facility.

Earth’s population is expanding, but the amount of fresh water to meet the needs of the growth is limited. Huffman will take the global challenge to a local level, beginning with a unique approach that combines science-based strategies with innovative legislative tools and practical partnerships. Huffman points out that Texas now finds itself face-to-face with an unyielding truth: Water is not optional, and without a plan to conserve and protect this vital resource, there might not be enough for future generations.

Rice faculty, staff and students who want to attend must RSVP by email (bipprsvp@rice.edu), by fax (713-348-5993) or on the Web at http://bakerinstitute.org/events/water-is-not-an-option-texas-broken-promise-to-future-generations. A webcast of the event can also be seen at this address.