Austin's landslide vote deals a sobering blow to SOS
Citizens Vote Against Prop 2 (Austin American-Statesman, May 15, 2006)

Citizens Vote Against Prop 2
Austin American-Statesman, May 15, 2006

May 2006

Voters nix strengthening the Save Our Springs Ordinance. Anti-regulatory sentiment could have contributed to this outcome but others blame confusing ballot language.  

The opposition didn't have to do with opposition to the environment as a priority. It [the ballot language] just wasn't precise enough, and that was the issue.

— Jackie Goodman, Former City Councilmember

Efforts to toughen the SOS Ordinance was motivated by AMD's decision to build a new campus over the Barton Springs Watershed.

Efforts to toughen the SOS Ordinance was motivated by AMD's decision to build a new campus over the Barton Springs Watershed.
Photo Courtesy Austin Business Journal

Austin American-Statesman, May 12, 2006

Supporting Documents

Related Events

A Chronology of Ordinances

Citizens Favor Park And Ordinances
April 1970
Austin City Council Public Hearing, April 16, 1970
Creeks Ordinance Passed
Spring 1974
Environmental Groups Push Through Ordinance
April 1980
City Enacts Parkland Dedication Ordinance
1985
Goat Cave Karst Nature Preserve, acquired in1988 through the Park Dedication Ordinance
City Council Passes Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance
1986
Cooksey City Council, 1986
Interim Ordinance To Slow Development
October 1990
Protestors demand a water quality ordinance that will not degrade Barton Creek
Council Passes Weak Watershed Ordinance
1991
1991 Councilmembers Bob Larson, Charles Urdy, Ronney Reynolds, and Louise Epstein
Save Our Springs Ordinance Passes
August 1992
Barton Springs advocates celebrate the S.O.S. victory at La Zona Rosa, one of the many local businesses supportive of the Save Our Springs movement.
Stricter SOS Ordinance Fails
May 2006
Citizens Vote Against Prop 2
Watershed Protection Ordinance Passed
October 2013
The City of Austin uses science-based monitoring to develop and direct watershed regulations and to enhance stormwater control design criteria.