TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Two East Texas state representatives join Blake Holland on this week’s edition of East Texas Politics on East Texas Now to address the growing fight over groundwater rights in the region.
State Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, discusses efforts to create a new regional groundwater conservation district. Holland asks Hefner about the process, how the district would be funded and his response to those who worry about adding another layer of bureaucracy and regulation.
Hefner also reacts to Gov. Greg Abbott calling for a ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods and whether he thinks a special session should be called to create new legislation related to data centers.
Harris reacts to new lawsuit
State Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, reacts to a new lawsuit filed by two companies owned by Dallas millionaire Kyle Bass, accusing the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District of violating his rights as a landowner.
Holland also asks Harris whether he thinks the governor should call a special session to address groundwater rights.
About the show
East Texas Politics on East Texas Now streams Fridays at 6:30 p.m. with an encore presentation Sundays at 10 a.m. Viewers can watch at kltv.com/live or using the free KLTV or KTRE apps on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Android TV. The show will also be available on demand after the Friday night stream.
About the host
Blake Holland is a news anchor and reporter for KLTV and KTRE. He anchors East Texas’ most-watched newscasts at 5 and 6 p.m. Since joining KLTV and KTRE in 2018, Holland has covered national political conventions, presidential visits, and interviewed gubernatorial and presidential candidates, plus extensive reporting on regional political news including weekly coverage of Smith County Commissioners Court.
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