McMaster signs order creating Governor’s Conservation Commission
The News 19 segment reported that Governor Henry McMaster signed Executive Order 2026-24 establishing the Governor’s Conservation Commission. The commission will collaborate with state agencies, local governments, private landowners, and others to preserve land, wildlife, historic sites, and cultural heritage. It will advise on strategies, identify funding, promote partnerships, and support local conservation goals. The order took effect immediately upon signing on October 22, 2026. The report cited current protected land at 3.4 million acres and referenced a state law setting a goal of 7 million acres by 2050. Sourcing was limited to the governor’s announcement and the new law; no external experts or critics appeared. The throughline emphasized expanding voluntary conservation amid state growth.
Source: News 19 WLTX