Bill
HB 2377
85(R) - 2017
House Natural Resources
Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs
House Natural Resources
Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs
Groundwater Conservation Districts
Special Districts
Water
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Positive
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Positive
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
Author(s)
Lyle Larson
Co-Author(s)
Eddie Lucio III
Sponsor(s)
Charles Perry
Bill Caption
Relating to the development of brackish groundwater.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, brackish groundwater production zones are designated to reduce the use of fresh groundwater. HB 2377 would authorize a groundwater conservation district located over any part of a designated brackish groundwater production zone to create a process for issuing permits to a project designed to treat brackish groundwater to drinking water standards. The establishment of a permitting process would also be required upon the result of a petition from a person with a legally defined interest in groundwater. These permits would last at least 30 years and the Texas Water Development Board would be granted relevant oversight.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principles of property rights and the free market by enabling the establishment of permitting processes for individuals in groundwater production zones to treat brackish groundwater to drinking water standards. For this reason, we support HB 2377.
Organizations Supporting
Association of Electric Companies of Texas
Canadian River Municipal Water Authority
Chevron
City of San Antonio
Concho Resources Inc.
Permian Basin Petroleum Association
Pioneer Energy Resources
Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District
San Antonio Water System
Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Texas Association of Business
Texas Desalination Association
Texas Farm Bureau
Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association
Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association
Texas Oil and Gas Association
Texas Water Conservation Association
Texas Water Infrastructure Network
Texas Wildlife Association
Organizations Opposed
League of Independent Voters of Texas
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