Bill: HB 3735, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Natural Resources
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
James Frank
Bill Caption
Relating to an application for a new or amended water right submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
For a new or amended water right, HB 3735 would remove state code requirements for submitted maps and plats, instead allowing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to determine the map and plat requirements. This would require TCEQ to consider only the factors that are within their jurisdiction and expertise when evaluating the public welfare impact of an application.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principle of limited government by clarifying that the TCEQ can only consider public welfare factors within their expertise and jurisdiction when evaluating new or amended water permits. Because this fosters accountability in evaluating permits, makes the permitting process more germane to its purpose, and helps to prevent outside nonessential factors from being considered we support HB 3735.
Organizations Supporting
Canadian River Municipal Water Authority
Lower Colorado River Authority
Texas Business Leadership Council
Texas Water Conservation Association
The Sierra Club
Organizations Opposed
Environmental Defense Fund
National Wildlife Federation