During the special session of the 81st Legislature (2009), legislation was adopted amending the 2013 date to 2011,[4] when the agency was continued for an additional 12 years and subject to review in 2023.

[12] According to a 2022 report by the nonprofit Environment America, Texas ranked first among American states in toxic discharges into streams, rivers and lakes.

TCEQ defended its track record, saying it worked "to ensure safe and effective management of pollutants that may enter Texas surface waters.

"[13] Under federal law, companies may have "unintentional and temporary noncompliance" with pollution standards if it is "because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the Industrial User.

[14] The TCEQ has three full-time commissioners, who are appointed by the governor, to establish overall agency direction and policy, and to make final determinations on contested permitting and enforcement matters.

[15] "The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development.

The office also implements plans to protect and restore air quality in cooperation with local, regional, state, and federal stakeholders.

The Office of Water is responsible for the implementation of these major programs: The office implements federal and state laws related to the regulation of aboveground and underground petroleum storage tanks, generation, treatment, storage, and disposal of municipal, industrial, low-level radioactive, and hazardous wastes, and the recovery and processing of uranium and disposal of byproduct.

[19] In the summer of 2016, Texas State Representative John Lujan called upon the commission to clean up a large used-tire dump located in his San Antonio House district.

[22] In 2018, country recording artist Cody Johnson teamed up with the agency to produce a public service announcement that encourages protection of the state's natural resources.