University of Texas at Austin
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Jim
Walker Director of Sustainability, Financial, and Administrative Services University Operations |
Local advocacy
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
In 2022, for the first time, UT Austin created and hired a Director of Local Government Affairs to “collaborate with the Deputy to the President for Governmental Affairs and other senior university leaders to develop and implement a coherent, proactive, and forward-thinking strategy for university local government relations in coordination with state and federal relations.” One of the specific job responsibilities is to “Support, as needed, the work of the Deputy to the President for Societal Challenges and Opportunities and Vice President for Legal Affairs and Business Strategies by identifying, coordinating, and utilizing UT Austin resources in partnerships with community stakeholders.” This responsibility specifically includes sustainability, stewardship and community-serving initiatives.
These local advocacy efforts overlap with federal efforts; for example, the recently announced Climate Co-Lab, https://texuslab.org/colab
Regional advocacy
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.
Also, see optional note below.
National advocacy
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. In 2023-2024, UT Austin advocated for funding to support the National Science Foundation's Leadership Class Computing Facility, which will support AI-driven discoveries and technologies that hold the potential to transform Americans' daily lives while addressing solutions to global grand challenges, including food production, climate change, and education.
Last year, UT Austin supported Congressman Doggett’s efforts to secure funding for local climate research and action, https://news.utexas.edu/2023/09/07/project-to-tackle-effects-of-extreme-climate-unveiled-by-doggett-ut-and-city-of-austin/
International advocacy
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
Optional Fields
We note that 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). The university did not advocate for or against Texas Senate Bill 17, “Responsibility of Governing Boards Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives,” which amends Texas Education Code 51.3525 effective January 1, 2024. We have noted elsewhere how SB17 has impacted our STARS reporting.
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.