Texas House Bill HCR135

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging the International Boundary and Water Commission to follow the terms of the 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty.

Impact

The resolution is significant as it aims to ensure compliance with the treaty, particularly in light of previous arrangements where water deliveries from the Rio San Juan were credited against Mexico's obligations regarding the Upstream Mexican Tributaries. This practice could undermine the treaty's provisions, as credited water deliveries would reduce the natural flow needed for ecosystems and water users in Texas. The decision to urge compliance suggests a strengthened position of the Texas legislature in advocating for state water rights and environmental health, particularly concerning instream flow requirements.

Summary

HCR135 is a concurrent resolution urging the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to adhere strictly to the terms of the 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty. This treaty outlines the allotment of water flows from the Colorado and Tijuana rivers and the Rio Grande, specifically stating that Mexico is entitled to two-thirds of these water flows while the U.S. receives one-third. Notably, the resolution emphasizes that the minimum flow for the U.S. should be no less than 350,000 acre-feet annually from upstream Mexican tributaries.

Contention

While the resolution is positioned as a straightforward affirmation of the treaty’s terms, it may encounter contention regarding its implications for water management strategies by the IBWC. Advocates of flexible water management solutions might argue that the conditions of the treaty need to adapt to changing circumstances, including drought conditions and water scarcity in the region. Thus, while HCR135 seeks to protect Texas’ water interests, it may open debates about the sustainability of rigid treaty compliance in the context of evolving water resource challenges.