Dr. Ken Kramer is a native Texan, born in Brenham, a small city about seventy miles from Houston. He grew up in Houston, but his parents were from Austin and Washington Counties in Central East Texas, and they both grew up on farms. This gave him the unique experience of both urban and rural environments from an early age. Dr. Kramer's interest in environmental issues began to take shape during his time in the Army and later in graduate school at Rice University. He developed a natural affinity for the outdoors from spending a lot of time on his grandparents’ farms and the farms of other relatives. His interest in urban issues and pollution issues grew organically over time, with no specific moment of realization. In college, Dr. Kramer initially majored in history with a minor in government, focusing on American government, international affairs, and comparative government. His career path towards environmental issues was not a direct one but rather a gradual realization of his interests and concerns about the environment.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Dr. Ken Kramer, conducted by Dr. Jen Brown on December 14, 2021, provides a detailed insight into Dr. Kramer's background, his journey towards environmental issues, and his work with Texas water in the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. The interview covers a range of topics, including Dr. Kramer's childhood experiences in both urban and rural environments, his academic background, and his gradual interest in environmental issues. It also delves into his work on the stakeholder committee, the challenges faced in implementing Senate Bill 3, and the need for adaptive management in the face of changing environmental conditions. The interview also highlights Dr. Kramer's views on the need for continued commitment by the legislature to fund the science teams and the stakeholder committees, the importance of understanding the impacts of environmental changes, and the need for resources to adapt to these changes. The content of this interview provides valuable insights into the complexities of environmental management, the challenges faced in implementing environmental policies, and the importance of adaptive management in the face of changing environmental conditions.