Texas Senate Confirms TCEQ Commissioner Rubinstein
Eighteen months after his appointment, Rubinstein earns Senate approval and pledges to practice responsible stewardship and grow the economy.
On March 9, the Texas Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment of Carlos Rubinstein to serve as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Rubinstein has been serving in that capacity since his appointment by Gov. Rick Perry on Aug. 31, 2009.
“I appreciate the Senate’s support and I look forward to contributing to the important work being done by the TCEQ to protect our state’s human and natural resources. I’ve spent my entire professional career serving the public and I feel honored that Gov. Perry has appointed me to this critical position,” said Rubinstein. “Texas is a special place and we must do everything in our power to ensure responsible stewardship of our land, water, and air and we must do it in a way that continues to grow our vibrant Texas economy. Texans need a clean environment and good jobs – we can do both.”
Rubinstein had served as the TCEQ’s deputy executive director since June of 2008. His responsibilities included assisting the executive director in all major capacities such as directing operations of all employees in 17 statewide offices, administrative oversight of agency budget, legislative activity, and implementation of agency policies.
Rubinstein also served as the director of the border and South-Central Texas area, and as regional director for the Harlingen and Laredo offices. During this time, Rubinstein also served as the Rio Grande Watermaster, responsible for allocating, monitoring, and controlling the use of surface water in the Rio Grande basin from Fort Quitman to the mouth of the Rio Grande River. As watermaster, he was instrumental in finding a solution to Mexico’s water debt to the United States. He also served as the city manager of Brownsville, Texas.
He serves on the Governmental Advisory Committee that provides advice to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator on environmental concerns regarding NAFTA, the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. He also serves as a Texas representative in the Border Governors Conference water worktable, on the Western States Water Council, on the Environmental Council of States, and as a representative on the Environmental Flows Advisory Group.
Rubinstein has a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from The University of Texas – Pan American.
Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality