October Commerce Club Luncheon Featuring Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, Texas General Land Office
The Port Bureau hosted Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., Texas General Land Office (“GLO”), at the Commerce Club on Oct. 10, 2024. She made history when she won the statewide election to become the first female Land Commissioner in Texas in 2022. A 9th generation Texan and self-described as “fiercely Texan”, Buckingham is passionate about Texas, GLO, and its unique mission.
“I love what I do every day, and it is an honor and privilege to be here with you. The port is one of the most significant places, not just for Texas, not just for the United States, but for the world,” said Buckingham as she greeted attendees.
Commissioner Buckingham offered a quick overview of the General Land Office before participating in a Q & A style discussion session:
Energy. GLO leases state land to fund public schools, provide energy for Texans, and support jobs. This includes lands for lands for oil, minerals (such as gravel, limestone, and lithium to support construction and manufacturing), and other commercial surface uses. GLO also sells natural gas to schools, cities, and other public retail customers at a reduced rate through the State Energy Marketing Program.
Coastal protection & planning. GLO also ensures management and stewardship of the Texas coast through a combination of federally partnered and state-led coastal planning efforts. The Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan is GLO’s state led, ongoing, and iterative coastwide planning process to protect and promote a resilient Texas coast. They work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving as the non-federal sponsor on various planning studies to reduce risk to coastal communities and restore ecosystem function. The Gulf Coast Protection District receives funding through GLO to implement various projects.
Texas heritage. In addition to events, digitization, and curriculum support has been the restoration of the Alamo battle site and historic structures. In late 2022, GLO opened the new Alamo Exhibition and Collections Building with first-class exhibition space and archival storage. A new state-of-the-art Alamo Visitors Center and Museum across from the Alamo Complex will open in 2027.
In the Q & A discussion session, Buckingham discussed GLO’s commitment to the coastal spine project, new energy, and funding for Harris County flood mitigation efforts. She particularly commended the cooperation and collaboration among county officials and leaders to move initiatives forward.
“They reach across the aisle and get things done at the county level for the community,” said Buckingham.
Thank you to our Commerce Club sponsors!
Annual Table sponsors:
Callan Marine • Chevron/Kirby • Enterprise Products Partners • Kinder Morgan • Houston Pilots • Intercontinental Terminals Company • Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc. • Pemex • Shell • Targa Resources • TGS Ceder Port Industrial Park • WGMA
October Table sponsors: