Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1635

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the management of groundwater, including the classification of and the obtaining of information regarding groundwater and the formulation of desired future conditions by a groundwater conservation district.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1635 aims to enhance the existing framework governing groundwater management. By establishing a comprehensive classification system, the bill promotes a coordinated approach among different agencies responsible for groundwater protection. This legislative change not only seeks to prevent the depletion of groundwater resources but also sets clear guidelines for districts regarding the protection of these vital resources. Furthermore, it encourages a multifaceted assessment that includes environmental, social, and economic factors in groundwater decision-making processes.

Summary

House Bill 1635 focuses on the management of groundwater resources in Texas. The bill proposes a classification system for groundwater based on specific metrics such as total dissolved solids and geographic location. Groundwater conservation districts are tasked with considering these classifications when formulating desired future conditions for aquifers within their areas. The focus is on sustainable use and conservation of groundwater, which is vital for various sectors including agriculture, industry, and urban development.

Contention

While the bill has received support for addressing groundwater sustainability, it has also sparked discussions on local control versus state regulation. Some stakeholders may express concern that the centralized classification and regulatory framework could overlook local conditions and needs. The requirement for districts to adhere strictly to the classifications developed by the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee might lead to disputes over the adequacy of these classifications in reflecting the unique groundwater challenges faced in diverse geographic areas of Texas.

Companion Bills

TX SB1421

Identical Relating to the management of groundwater, including the classification of and the obtaining of information regarding groundwater and the formulation of desired future conditions by a groundwater conservation district.

Previously Filed As

TX SB156

Relating to the regulation and management of the use of groundwater and regulation of groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB4532

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB2540

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB2397

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB4891

Relating to the joint planning of desired future conditions in groundwater management areas.

TX HB3278

Relating to the joint planning of desired future conditions in groundwater management areas.

TX HB3059

Relating to the export fee charged for the transfer of groundwater from a groundwater conservation district.

TX SB638

Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB1971

Relating to the procedures for acting on a permit or permit amendment application by a groundwater conservation district and the disqualification of board members of groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB4444

Relating to the management of groundwater by certain districts and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Similar Bills

CA AB321

Groundwater sustainability agencies.

CA SB315

Groundwater: groundwater sustainability agencies: probationary basins.

TX SB1421

Relating to the management of groundwater, including the classification of and the obtaining of information regarding groundwater and the formulation of desired future conditions by a groundwater conservation district.

AZ SB1221

Basin management areas; appropriation

CA SB659

California Water Supply Solutions Act of 2023.

CA AB1413

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater adjudication.

CA SB1372

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans: groundwater rights.

CA AB2736

Groundwater: pumped hydroelectric energy storage systems: Joshua Tree National Park.