Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Carlos Rubinstein, Principal at RSAH2O, LLC, and Vanessa Puig-Williams, Director of the Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Texas Water Program, about flaws in Texas’ groundwater planning process and water legislation in the 88th Texas Legislature.
Rubinstein was appointed chairman of the Texas Water Development Board from 2013-2015. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of the $2 billion State Water Infrastructure Fund for Texas. Rubinstein also served as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) from 2009–2013. He has also served as deputy executive director of TCEQ and Rio Grande Watermaster.
Puig-Williams leads EDF’s efforts to advance sustainable groundwater management in Texas. Before joining EDF, she was the Executive Director of the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association. As a water and environmental attorney, she has advised landowners and nonprofits on issues related to land and water conservation and practiced in the environmental division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office.