A very precise measure of freedom can be determined from an examination of how property rights, a natural right in America, is treated in a society. America was founded on the principle that individual property and protection of that private property, once legally obtained or produced, is a fundamental function of government. Howard has been, and will continue to be, a rock-solid defender of private property rights and will work to ensure property rights are not lessened or "balanced". The most effective path toward environmental protection and sustainability of our natural resources comes with securing private property rights. SE Oklahomans are in the middle of a struggle over property rights Water. Howard welcomes the formation of the Water Rights Task Force which finally includes representatives of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations at the same table with the Oklahoma state government. Howard will work to make sure that the citizens, the most important stakeholders in this process, have a significant voice in the process and that we will not accept anything less than success to secure our water rights in a manner we determine as suitable.