Relating to rainwater harvesting and other water conservation initiatives.
Impact
The legislation encourages municipalities and counties to incentivize rainwater harvesting practices, supporting installations by offering discounts or rebates for water storage systems. It provides a framework for local entities to recognize harvested rainwater as an acceptable water source, which could alleviate restrictions based on impervious cover or density. This shift aligns with the state's goal of improving water resource management and can significantly impact how new developments integrate sustainable water practices into urban planning.
Summary
House Bill 4299 seeks to promote rainwater harvesting and enhance water conservation initiatives within the state of Texas. The bill mandates that new state buildings with a roof size of at least 10,000 square feet incorporate rainwater harvesting systems into their design, especially in areas with average annual rainfall exceeding 28 inches. This initiative is aimed at reducing water dependency by utilizing available rainwater for both nonpotable indoor use and landscape watering in state facilities. The procedural standards will also require at least 25% of the roof area of such buildings to be designated for rainwater collection.
Contention
Opposition may arise regarding the optional nature of incentives for local governments, as some may argue that mandatory adherence to rainwater harvesting without corresponding support could place burdens on smaller municipalities and potentially deter development. Additionally, property owners' associations may find themselves navigating new complexities if they oppose the installations of rainwater harvesting systems, challenging their regulatory authority without the ability to deny permits solely based on these systems. Overall, the balance between state requirements and local authority might generate debates among stakeholders.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature by general law to exempt from ad valorem taxes the portion of the assessed value of property attributable to the implementation on the property of a water conservation initiative, desalination project, or brush control initiative.
Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.