The Office of Public Interest Counsel (OPIC) (Address, Phone,
Fax) was created by the legislature to represent the public
interest in matters considered by the Commission and to ensure that
the Commission is responsive to citizens' concerns regarding
environmental quality and consumer protection. The Public Interest
Counsel is appointed by the Commission. The office is also staffed
with six other licensed attorneys. The office does not formally
represent individuals. However, OPIC attorneys routinely assist the
public by explaining agency procedures and helping citizens gain an
understanding of how they may participate in Commission decisions
that affect them. Assistance is available to anyone who is affected
by a particular permit application or other agency authorization.
Public Interest Counsel staff also provide assistance to people
with questions about enforcement proceedings.
OPIC carries out its responsibilities by (1) participating as a
party in contested case hearings regarding air quality, water
quality, water rights, and applications for solid waste disposal
permits and utility rate increases; (2) participation in proposed
rulemakings; (3) reviewing and participating in enforcement
matters; and (4) participation in matters set for consideration at
the Commission's public meetings.
As a party to every permitting and utility-related contested
case proceeding, the office strives to provide balance to the
hearings process. OPIC participation ensures that environmental
permitting applications satisfy all legal requirements and will be
adequately protective of human health and the environment. With
respect to utility rate increase applications, OPIC seeks to ensure
that changes in water or sewer rates are justified and reasonable.
The office also provides comments to the Commission on proposed
agency rules and policy, including rulemaking projects that have a
significant effect on public participation.
OPIC works independently of other TCEQ offices to bring forward
relevant issues from a public interest perspective. The office's
goal is to ensure that all relevant evidence is developed and made
part of the record so that the Commission may make informed
decisions and issue permits that are protective of human health and
the environment.
