Governor Abbott amends and renews drought disaster declaration affecting counties across Texas
Austin, Texas – A sweeping emergency action has once again been extended across Texas as state leaders continue to respond to ongoing drought conditions that show no sign of easing.
Governor Greg Abbott officially amended and renewed the state’s drought disaster proclamation in March 2026, continuing a declaration that was first issued on July 8, 2022. The renewed order confirms that severe drought conditions still persist across a wide portion of the state, creating ongoing risks not only to water supplies but also increasing the danger of wildfires.
According to the proclamation, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has verified that the same drought patterns identified in earlier declarations remain active in numerous counties. These prolonged dry conditions have heightened concerns about fire risk, especially in areas already vulnerable to extreme heat and limited rainfall.
Statewide Response and Expanded Authority
In renewing the declaration, the governor invoked legal authority under state law to ensure that all necessary resources can be used to address the situation. The proclamation states that the continued drought conditions pose a serious and ongoing threat, requiring coordinated action at both state and local levels.
The order reads, “I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Borden, Bowie, Brazos, Brewster, Brooks, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Colorado, Comal, Comanche, Cottle, Crosby, Dawson, Delta, DeWitt, Dickens, Dimmit, Donley, Duval, Fayette, Floyd, Foard, Fort Bend, Franklin, Frio, Gaines, Garza, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Grayson, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hall, Hardeman, Hardin, Hays, Hidalgo, Hopkins, Houston, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kent, Kerr, King, Kinney, Kleberg, Knox, La Salle, Lamar, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Live Oak, Llano, Lubbock, Lynn, Madison, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Milam, Montgomery, Morris, Motley, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Panola, Pecos, Polk, Presidio, Real, Red River, Refugio, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Scurry, Shelby, Starr, Titus, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Uvalde, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala Counties.”
By renewing the disaster declaration, the governor is allowing the full use of state resources, along with support from local governments, to respond to the ongoing crisis. This includes emergency planning, wildfire prevention efforts, and coordination among agencies working to protect lives and property.
Suspension of Rules to Speed Emergency Action
Another key part of the proclamation involves the temporary suspension of certain state regulations. Under the governor’s order, any rules or procedures that could delay emergency response efforts may be paused if necessary.
This applies especially to contracting and procurement rules, which can sometimes slow down the ability of agencies to act quickly. By allowing these rules to be suspended, the state can move faster to deploy resources, secure equipment, and respond to emergencies tied to drought and wildfire risks.
Officials emphasized that this flexibility is critical in situations where time matters and delays could lead to greater harm.
The proclamation also confirms that all required documentation will be filed with the proper authorities, ensuring the order remains fully in effect under state law.
Ongoing Concern Across Texas
The renewed declaration highlights just how widespread the drought has become, affecting a large number of counties across Texas. From rural areas to growing communities, the lack of rainfall continues to strain water systems, agriculture, and natural landscapes.
At the same time, the connection between drought and wildfire risk remains a major concern. Dry vegetation and high temperatures can quickly turn small sparks into dangerous fires, making preparedness and quick response essential.
Governor Abbott signed the renewed proclamation on March 18, 2026, in Austin, marking another step in the state’s ongoing effort to manage one of its most persistent environmental challenges.
With the disaster declaration still in place, Texas officials say they will continue to monitor conditions closely while using every available tool to respond to the evolving situation and protect communities across the state.
