Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Catarina Gonzales as the new commissioner for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), effective immediately. Gonzales, who hails from Austin, will be joining Chairman Jon Niermann and Commissioner Bobby Janecka as the appointed leaders of the TCEQ.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Commissioner Gonzales said, "I am honored by the appointment from Governor Abbott. I am excited to leverage my knowledge and experience in environmental policy and law to guide the agency and further its mission of safeguarding human health and the environment, while promoting sustainable economic development."
Gonzales brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as a budget and policy advisor for the Office of the Governor since 2018. Prior to that, she worked in private practice at law firms in Austin and Houston. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and serves on the executive committee of its Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, as well as the General Land Office Pooling Committee.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Gonzales has been actively involved in various community organizations. She has served as a board member of the Cossaboom YMCA and the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas. Gonzales has also volunteered for Dachshund Rescue of Houston and was a former member of the Easter Seals Greater Houston Young Professionals Advisory Board.
Gonzales has received recognition for her leadership in the environmental and government sectors. The Houston Business Journal honored her as a recipient of their "40 under 40" award, and she was also recognized as a League of Women Voter's "Rising Star" award honoree.
Gonzales holds an impressive academic background, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Trinity College, a Juris Doctor from St. John's University School of Law, and a Master of Laws in Energy and Environmental Law from the University of Houston School of Law. She was also a visiting student at The University of Texas School of Law, where she served on the board of the American Journal of Criminal Law.
With her diverse expertise and commitment to environmental protection, Catarina Gonzales is well-equipped to lead the TCEQ and ensure the agency continues its vital work in preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development in Texas.
