Texas Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed the state’s drought disaster proclamation for December 2025, extending emergency measures to address ongoing drought conditions in numerous counties.
The original disaster proclamation was issued on July 8, 2022, and has since been updated several times as dry weather persisted across Texas. According to the latest assessment from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, many areas continue to experience exceptional drought, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Governor Abbott stated: “WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on July 8, 2022, as amended and renewed in a number of subsequent proclamations, certifying that exceptional drought conditions posed a threat of imminent disaster in several counties; and WHEREAS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that those same drought conditions persist in certain counties in Texas and that the presence of drought conditions in certain counties contributes to increased wildfire danger; NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster…”
The renewed declaration affects over 60 counties including Aransas, Bexar, Lubbock, Travis, Uvalde, Victoria and Williamson among others. The order authorizes all available state resources to be used as necessary for response efforts. It also suspends regulatory statutes or agency rules that could hinder emergency actions during this period.
“Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster,” Abbott wrote.
He further noted: “Pursuant to Section 418.016… any regulatory statute prescribing procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule…that would prevent…necessary action…shall be suspended upon written approval…” He authorized suspension regarding contracting or procurement rules if they impede emergency responses needed for protection.
Greg Abbott signed the document on December 18th in Austin. Secretary of State Jane Nelson attested it.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott is part of the executive branch overseeing statewide administration from its main offices at Austin’s State Insurance Building (https://gov.texas.gov/). The office exercises authority throughout Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/) and addresses key issues such as job creation and border security (https://gov.texas.gov/). Greg Abbott has led this office since his election in 2014 (https://gov.texas.gov/).
