Abbott's Coastal Board Picks: Are They Saving Texas, or Sinking It Faster?

Texas stands at a crossroads. Its coastal waters, vital to millions, are under siege from rising seas, intensifying storms, and acidification that threatens marine life. The appointment of Antonio Santana, Hannah Kaplan, and Jon 'Mark' Sjolander to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott arrives at a pivotal moment. These individuals, tasked with overseeing water transport and infrastructure in Harris, Chambers, and Liberty Counties, carry the weight of addressing a crisis that could reshape the state’s future. Their qualifications, while diverse, raise urgent questions about whether they can confront the escalating threats of climate change head-on.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Galveston, a stone’s throw from the board’s jurisdiction, is among the U.S. cities most battered by coastal flooding, with events now five times more frequent than in the 1950s. Every inch of sea level rise erases roughly 2.5 meters of beach, while saltwater creeps into freshwater supplies, threatening drinking water and farmland. The board’s decisions will ripple far beyond their counties, shaping how Texas adapts to a warming world. Yet, the governor’s track record on environmental issues leaves many skeptical about whether these appointees will prioritize bold, forward-thinking solutions.

Santana, a tech executive, brings expertise in systems management but lacks direct experience in water policy or environmental science. Kaplan, a pioneer in sustainable oyster farming, offers a promising perspective on ecological restoration. Sjolander, a reappointed board member with deep ties to local resource development, may lean toward business-as-usual approaches. Together, they must navigate a landscape where inaction is no longer an option. The question is whether they’ll rise to the challenge or fall short in the face of entrenched interests.

For Texans, this isn’t abstract. It’s about clean water, thriving ecosystems, and communities shielded from floods. It’s about ensuring the Gulf Coast remains a lifeline, not a liability. The board’s work demands a vision rooted in science and equity, one that puts the needs of vulnerable coastal residents first. Anything less risks betraying the public trust.

The science is undeniable. Oceans have warmed 1.45°C since pre-industrial times, with some Gulf regions exceeding 2°C. This fuels stronger storms, higher tides, and relentless erosion. Coastal flooding, once a rare disruption, now haunts communities with alarming regularity. Wetlands, nature’s flood defenses, are vanishing, reducing carbon storage and leaving towns exposed. Ocean acidification, up 30% since the 19th century, is projected to surge 170% by 2100, decimating shellfish and fisheries that countless families rely on. These aren’t predictions; they’re realities unfolding now.

Some argue Texas should focus on economic growth, trusting markets to adapt. They point to desalination or private infrastructure as quick fixes, claiming government overreach stifles innovation. But this ignores the scale of the crisis. Private solutions often prioritize profit over public good, leaving rural and low-income communities to bear the brunt of flooding and pollution. Desalination, while promising, demands massive energy and oversight to avoid harming ecosystems. The Coastal Water Authority must reject shortsighted pragmatism and embrace comprehensive strategies, like wetland restoration and stricter pollution controls, that serve all Texans.

Kaplan’s background in oyster mariculture offers a beacon of hope. Oysters filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, improving quality and stabilizing shorelines. Her work with Texas Sustainable Oysters aligns with global trends: the oyster market is projected to hit $15.9 billion by 2033, driven by sustainable practices. Programs like Maryland’s oyster sanctuaries, where 98% of restored reefs thrive, show what’s possible. If Kaplan can steer the board toward such innovations, Texas could lead in balancing economic and environmental priorities. But she’ll need allies to counter resistance from those prioritizing industry over ecosystems.

Santana’s tech expertise could modernize water management, using data to predict flood risks or optimize infrastructure. Yet, his corporate lens risks sidelining the human toll of climate inaction. Sjolander’s reappointment, tied to traditional resource development, raises concerns about entrenched interests. The board must unify around a shared commitment to resilience, not fracture under competing agendas. Texans deserve leaders who see climate change as a moral imperative, not a bureaucratic checkbox.

Texas isn’t powerless. The state’s $1 billion water infrastructure fund, approved in 2023, and Senate Bill 7, passed unanimously in 2025, signal growing recognition of the water crisis. These measures prioritize desalination, water reuse, and a statewide water grid to connect wet and dry regions. But funding alone isn’t enough. The Coastal Water Authority must ensure these resources reach underserved communities, not just urban centers or corporate players. Rural areas, home to 370,000 Texans needing water and wastewater upgrades, can’t be left behind.

Restoration is equally critical. Wetlands, mangroves, and oyster reefs aren’t just ecological treasures; they’re practical defenses against storms and erosion. Federal funds from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including $14 billion for state water projects, offer a lifeline. Yet, slow disbursement and inflation threaten progress. The board must advocate for faster federal support and push for local innovations, like precision aquaculture or AI-driven water monitoring, to stretch every dollar. These tools, already transforming global oyster farming, could make Texas a model for coastal resilience.

Skeptics might claim these efforts are too costly or speculative. They’d rather double down on fossil fuels or deregulate industry, arguing it spurs jobs. But this is a false choice. Climate inaction costs more—$1 trillion in U.S. coastal property is at risk, and Texas’ economy depends on healthy fisheries and tourism. Sustainable practices create jobs, too: oyster farming employs thousands while protecting ecosystems. The board must champion policies that prove economic and environmental goals aren’t mutually exclusive. Anything else is a disservice to future generations.

The Senate confirmation process, a final hurdle for these appointees, offers a chance for accountability. Texans should demand nominees commit to science-based policies and equitable outcomes. The process has exposed flaws before—take Justin Berry’s contentious 2025 confirmation to a law enforcement board, where allegations nearly derailed his nomination. The Coastal Water Authority deserves leaders whose priorities align with the public’s, not narrow interests. Kaplan’s vision, if amplified, could set a new standard.

The Coastal Water Authority Board stands on the front lines of a defining struggle. Climate change isn’t a distant threat; it’s flooding homes, eroding beaches, and killing marine life today. Santana, Kaplan, and Sjolander have a chance to chart a new course, one that prioritizes clean water, resilient ecosystems, and communities equipped to weather the storm. Kaplan’s expertise in sustainable aquaculture is a rare asset, offering a blueprint for restoring the Gulf’s vitality. But her voice must not be drowned out by those wedded to outdated priorities.

Texans have a right to expect more. They need a board that fights for every inch of coastline, every drop of clean water, and every family facing the next flood. This means rejecting half-measures and embracing bold, science-driven solutions. It means standing up to interests that profit from environmental neglect. Above all, it means recognizing that the fight for Texas’ coast is a fight for its soul. The world is watching, and history will judge us by the choices we make now.