University of Texas at Austin
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.33 / 2.00 |
Jim
Walker Director of Sustainability, Financial, and Administrative Services University Operations |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
The university advocates for support and funding of exceptional items in Texas Legislative House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1, specifically the funding for the Texas Sea Grant College Program to improve the understanding, wise use and stewardship of Texas coastal marine resources. While the program is housed at Texas A&M, program partners include UT Austin (and many other Texas based higher education institutions). The program home at UT Austin is the Marine Science Institute.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
UT Austin signs onto letters of support with other institutions of higher education in support of appropriations to federal agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOD, NASA, DOE, NIST, NEA, and NEH, to fund basic research at universities that could radically improve U.S. energy policy, economic prosperity, national security, and environmental well-being. Last year, UT Austin signed onto letters to protect the $3.43 billion included in the House version of the Budget Reconciliation bill for NSF infrastructure needs.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
Texas state agencies, including public higher education institutions, are limited in the manner in which they can advocate for issues (Chapter 556.006, Texas Government Code). However, UT Austin leadership have made public comments in support of voter referendum related to mass transit in the city and region, as well as in support of voter referendum related to the establishment of a medical school in which the university is a major partner.
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Not applicable.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.