How did Texas gain the authority to control water pollution?

The correct response highlights that Texas gained the authority to control water pollution through delegation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under the federal Clean Water Act, states are allowed to seek approval from the EPA to administer their own water quality standards and permit programs for regulating discharges of pollutants. This delegation of authority allows states to tailor their regulations to local needs while ensuring compliance with federal standards.

In Texas, this delegation allows the state to implement its own regulatory framework for managing water quality, including issuing permits for wastewater discharges and enforcing compliance with state water quality standards. As a result, the state plays a vital role in managing its water resources and addressing pollution effectively.

The other options, while they may reflect aspects of the broader context of environmental regulation, do not specifically address the mechanism through which Texas received its authority in this area. State legislation and actions by the Texas legislature could relate to how Texas enforces and implements its regulations, but the initial delegation of authority must come from the federal level through the EPA. Court rulings may also influence environmental policy but are not the primary source of regulatory authority.