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TCEQ adopts $687 million FY2026 operating budget, citing 24% increase from prior year
Summary
The commission approved the executive director's recommended FY2026 operating budget totaling $687,000,000, an increase largely attributed to exceptional items and legislation, and an FTE cap increase of 172.5 positions.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on Aug. 20 approved the agency's fiscal year 2026 operating budget recommended by the executive director. Deputy Director Janae Burse presented the proposal.
The recommended total for FY2026 is $687,000,000 compared with the FY2025 budget of $556,000,000 — a $131,000,000 increase, or 24%. Staff attributed the increase to exceptional item requests and to funding tied to legislation, including rider funding for a Senate Bill described in the presentation and transfers related to land‑application permits and wastewater programs. The FTE cap was shown to increase by 172.5 positions to fund positions requested in exceptional items and to authorize positions tied to recent legislation.
Staff said federal funding did not change significantly; apparent differences reflected grants loaded in FY2025 expected to be carried forward into 2026. Staff also noted that roughly 82% of the agency's budget is paid by fees, with appropriated fee funds making up 54% and another fee category making up about 27%.
Commissioners thanked the executive director's staff for their work; Public Interest Counsel Garrett Arthur indicated OPIC supports approval. A commissioner moved to approve the budget as recommended; the motion passed.
Staff noted the budget includes increases in other operating costs, particularly professional temporary services and other operating categories. The commission approved the operating budget and related allocation tables presented in the packet; no amendments were adopted at the meeting.
