Relating to the incorporation of climate and precipitation forecasts in state, regional, and local water planning.
Impact
The enactment of HB2570 is poised to significantly enhance the Texas Water Development Board's approach toward managing water resources in relation to climate variability. By mandating the incorporation of climate forecasts into the state water plan, the bill aims to improve preparedness for drought conditions and the management of water supply infrastructures. The five-year cycles for updating both state and regional water plans ensure that water strategies remain relevant amidst changing climatic conditions, thus promoting sustainable water use and conservation practices.
Summary
House Bill 2570 focuses on the integration of climate and precipitation forecasts into state, regional, and local water planning efforts in Texas. This bill mandates the Texas state climatologist to provide periodic forecasts that are scientifically-based and specific. These forecasts aim to inform water management and planning strategies, ensuring that water supply plans are robust against expected climate variations and precipitation changes over a period of at least 25 years. The bill highlights the importance of anticipating environmental conditions to secure adequate water resources for public health, safety, and economic development, while also protecting agricultural and natural resources across the state.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding HB2570 may include debates on the accuracy and reliability of the climate forecasts provided by the state climatologist. Stakeholders might express concerns regarding the costs associated with implementing extensive climate considerations into existingwater plans and the fairness of these implications across different regions of Texas. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the adequacy of the guidelines for integrating these forecasts into local water management strategies and whether all regions would have equal access to the tools and resources needed to adapt to forecasted changes. The need for collaboration among various state and local agencies is critical to ensure that the forecasts are effectively utilized in water planning processes.
Final_notes
Overall, HB2570 could reshape the landscape of water management in Texas by aligning it with proactive climate strategies. It represents a significant step toward integrating scientific research into practical governance, ultimately aiming to safeguard water resources in the face of climate uncertainties.
Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.
Relating to the procedure by which a regional water planning group is required to make the regional water plan prepared by the group available for public inspection.
Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.
Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts ActThis bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement program.In carrying out the program, NOAA must seek to reduce loss of life and property and other economic losses caused by atmospheric river events through research and development on accurate, effective, and actionable forecasting and warnings. The program must generally involve the establishment of quantitative atmospheric river forecast skill metrics, the development of an atmospheric river forecast system within a unified forecast system, and the development of tools and products to predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river landfalls and inland penetration, among other activities. The program must periodically test and evaluate the value of incorporating innovative observations (e.g., observations from radar, aircraft, ocean buoys, and other sources) to facilitate the improvement of modeling and forecasting. The program must also consider the development of best practices for communicating the existence and severity of atmospheric river events, as well as other information about atmospheric rivers. The program may seek to improve precipitation modeling, with an emphasis on forecasting for complex terrain. The bill also requires NOAA to acquire and sustain adequate crewed and uncrewed aircraft (i.e., drones), equipment, and personnel necessary to meet air reconnaissance mission requirements annually during the expected atmospheric river season (November through March).