The Environmental Protection Division represents the State and its agencies in matters pertaining to the protection and defense of the State’s environment and natural resources. EPD's client agencies include the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Texas Water Development Board. In addition, EPD serves as the legal advisors for the Canadian, Pecos, Red River, Rio Grande, and Sabine River Compact Commissions. EPD represents its client agencies in State and federal trial and appellate courts.
The division's work is primarily organized within three sections. The Energy and Utilities Section represents the State and its agencies in a variety of matters relating to regulation of oil and gas utilities and electric, telecommunications, and water utilities in Texas. The Enforcement Section prosecutes cases against violators of environmental and natural resource laws designed to protect the public's health and safety as well as the State's resources. In addition, the section represents the State in colonias protection litigation designed to ensure Texas citizens have access to clean water and sewage systems along the Texas-Mexico border. Finally, the Land and Resource Section represents the State and its agencies in a variety of matters relating to defense of agency orders and regulations designed to protect the resources of the State including final agency orders from the State's environmental agencies, disputes involving public land litigation, public beach access, coastal dune protection, and mineral valuation on State lands.