Texas Senate Bill SB1039

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction.

Impact

The significance of SB1039 lies in its focus on improving water resource management in Texas, which is facing increasing challenges related to drought and water availability. The advisory board is tasked with identifying the extent of interaction between different water sources and proposing mitigation strategies for any issues identified. The findings of this study could lead to legislative recommendations that may influence future water policy in Texas, thereby impacting conservation efforts and regulatory frameworks concerning aquatic resources.

Summary

SB1039 establishes the Surface Water and Groundwater Interaction Advisory Board in Texas. This board is created to conduct a thorough study on the interaction between surface water and groundwater within the state. The legislative intent behind the bill is to address and understand the challenges that arise due to this interaction, considering Texas's unique landscape and water resource management needs. The bill outlines the composition of the advisory board, specifying nominations from various environmental bodies and expertise in water management.

Contention

While the bill aims to provide a structured approach to understanding and managing water resources, there may be concerns about the implementation of its recommendations. Some stakeholders might argue that the establishment of such a board could introduce bureaucratic delays in addressing urgent water management issues. Others may worry about the inclusion of various interest groups in the advisory board, which could influence the outcomes of the study based on differing priorities among environmental, agricultural, and municipal water interests.