Photo courtesy of Alex Ortiz
For the past three years Alex Ortiz has served Texas as a steadfast advocate for water, wildlife, frontline communities affected by water policy, and for equity and environmental justice. While we’re sad to lose Alex on staff as a lead water policy expert, we are so excited to see him grow and thrive in a new role as Senior Associate at the progressive policy organization PolicyLink. There Alex will be covering Water Equity and Climate Resilience issues across seven southern states (including Texas).
We’re so grateful for Alex’s leadership on issues like fracking wastewater disposal (“produced” water), equitable funding for communities lacking water services, defense of endangered species habitat, primary plastics pollution (aka nurdles) standards, and of course, navigating the halls of the Texas Capitol to represent key water issues in the legislature. We are also grateful for his vision of centering frontline communities like Corpus Christi, a place he grew up and still considers a home.
We will miss your leadership, friendship, and tenacious commitment to equity, your colleagues, and the environment, Alex!
Alex is currently in the running to be elected to our next round of Lone Star Chapter Executive Committee leaders (members, you have until January 7th to vote!). He has also committed to volunteer for us on water and wildlife issues and will help us as we bring on a new staff member in 2024 to continue our water and wildlife work.