$1.7 billion tax dollars for improving the environment unspent by Texas lawmakers

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Lawmakers collected $1.7 billion to improve the environment through the state’s emission reduction plan, but have not spent it. The reason? To balance the books.
Per the Texas Constitution, lawmakers cannot spend more than they collect, and the Texas Comptroller must sign off on spending every two years. This year, lawmakers have $5 billion collected from Texans in taxes and fees that they won’t spend on their designated purpose.
Austin Sen. Kirk Watson tel