Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology.
Impact
The bill's implementation is expected to significantly improve the data-driven understanding of Texas's water resources. By promoting better modeling techniques, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, HB2095 aims to advance the methodologies for assessing and utilizing water resources. The collaboration outlined within the bill involves various agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas A&M University, which could lead to more cohesive and well-rounded approaches in dealing with the state's water challenges.
Summary
House Bill 2095, introduced by Representative Wilson, focuses on enhancing water research through the establishment of the Texas Water Information Network Exchange program. This legislation mandates the University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology to conduct comprehensive studies on various aspects of water, including surface water, groundwater, soil moisture, and atmospheric moisture. The bill aims to address existing gaps in water-related data collection and analysis, thereby facilitating better water resource management across the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB2095 appears largely supportive among legislators and water management advocates. Many recognize the necessity for improved data and modeling to address Texas's ongoing water issues exacerbated by factors such as drought and urbanization. However, some concerns may arise regarding the allocation of resources and whether the Bureau of Economic Geology will effectively manage these significant responsibilities.
Contention
While the bill seems straightforward in its goals, the potential for contention lies in the coordination among different state agencies and the need for clear delineation of responsibilities. Successful implementation will require effective partnerships and possibly navigating bureaucratic hurdles to ensure that the vast amount of data collected is utilized in a way that genuinely benefits water management strategies across Texas.
Relating to the ownership of the pore space underlying the surface of land and to the use of that space for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide; authorizing a fee.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
Relating to an annual study by the Texas A&M University Texas Real Estate Research Center of the purchase and sale of single-family homes by certain institutional buyers.
Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.