Bill

HB 3324

84(R) - 2015
House Natural Resources
House Natural Resources

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Lyle Larson

Bill Caption

Relating to the requirements for obtaining an interbasin water transfer permit.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3324, if passed, would modify the Water Code (Section 11.085(v)) by expanding the exemptions for interbasin water transfers. Namely, the bill would free transfers from certain provisions if said transfers are of water based on a substitution exchange of an equal or greater quantity of desalinated water, and if said water is made available in the basin of origin on or after September 1st 2015. The bill also requires that the transfer in question not result in a net water supply loss in the basin of origin. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 3324 is a beneficial bill in that it loosens code requirements, thus reducing state intervention, without compromising the environment or the state function of managing water resources (as transfers must not result in a water loss at the basin or origin). This allows for a marginal, but notable improvement in the property rights regime in Texas, and as such we support the bill.

Organizations Supporting

Exelon

Organizations Opposed

Environmental Stewardship
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
Koch Companies
Texas Association Of Manufacturers 
Texas Chemical Council
Texas Oil and Gas Association