Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'water regulation'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • 13 of the Texas Water Code, which governs the... site of utilities providing water and sewer services
  • these water rights to the Texas Water Trust.
  • the water that we save is again, the cheapest water that we get in this state.
  • water plan here shortly.
  • ...regulations designed to manage water use during drought
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved extensive discussions on multiple bills related to water management and resources in Texas, particularly emphasizing the importance of legislative measures to enhance the conservation and management of groundwater resources. Representative Romero laid out HB4530, which aims to expand the Texas Water Trust to include groundwater rights, enabling voluntary dedication for conservation and addressing the regulatory gaps that currently exist. The bill received support as it seeks to clarify the processes for groundwater donations, thus promoting effective water management strategies across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jeff Heckler, here representing Sherryland Water Supply Corporation, which is a water corporation near
  • or create new regulations.
  • Those are the TCEQ regulations.
  • And, you know, when water...
  • regulations, but enforcement of these regulations is limited to civil penalties.
Summary: The recent committee meeting addressed various critical bills, focusing primarily on water management and flood control across Texas. Notable discussions included House Bill 1177, which proposes introducing stricter penalties for floodplain violations, aiming to deliver swift accountability for ongoing offenses. Representative Cunningham highlighted the urgency of this issue, emphasizing that current enforcement mechanisms lead to prolonged legal challenges, which can heighten flood risks for vulnerable communities. This bill sparked numerous inquiries from members, showcasing the committee's commitment to improving flood management legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • districts, flood irrigation, water supply, drainage, and they provide water and wastewater services.
  • There's a tremendous need for water supply and water infrastructure in Texas.
  • to water supply projects.
  • of the state water plan.
  • But you also need water. You also need a new source of water, and guess what?
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical water infrastructure issues, focusing primarily on H.J.R. 7 and HB 1400. Members emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding to tackle Texas's impending water crisis, as population growth and drought significantly strain current water resources. Notable discussions included testimonies from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, who expressed strong support for these bills, underlining their importance in improving groundwater management and funding scientific approaches to water conservation. The committee highlighted the necessity of equipping groundwater conservation districts with resources to ensure robust groundwater science and research.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most of our members are nonprofit water supply corporations and water districts.
  • to protect customers, including the Safe Drinking Water Act, state laws, and rules regulated by TCEQ
  • water quality.
  • You know, he's the chair of the Water Caucus. You've had ten times as many water...
  • ...that the old Board of Water Engineers used for regulation
Summary: The recent committee meeting showcased significant discussions around various groundwater management bills, emphasizing legislative accountability and environmental conservation efforts. Notably, HB4896 was presented, which aims to streamline the designation of brackish groundwater production zones, facilitating better management of Texas' water resources. Testimonies from multiple stakeholders underscored the necessity for transparency in groundwater conservation districts and the importance of adapting to climate impacts. Additionally, House Bill 4212 aimed to enhance interagency communication pertaining to land and water conservation, further stressing a collaborative approach to resource management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • water for beneficial purposes.
  • 300% increases in their water usage and their water rates
  • You guys do great work in trying to address the water needs and water infrastructure, and I know this
  • is supposed to be a water session.
  • Everyone wants water and needs water.
Summary: The recent meeting of the Natural Resources Committee covered significant discussions primarily focused on various water-related bills, notably HB685, HB1918, HB2601, and HB2608. Representative Wally introduced HB1918, which seeks to limit water rate increases for Class A utilities to a maximum of 20% every 36 months. The bill is in response to alarming reports from constituents who experienced drastic increases in their water bills, leading to concerns about financial sustainability for residents on fixed incomes. Supporters emphasized the need for better regulations to protect consumers, while opponents argued that the bill could dissuade necessary investments in utility infrastructure, jeopardizing service quality. Public testimony was a vital component, with various stakeholders expressing both support and opposition to the proposals under discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Summary: The committee meeting engaged in a robust discussion regarding several key bills aimed at improving community services and infrastructure. Notably, the discussion surrounding SB4 highlighted concerns about funding allocations which were addressed by various members during the session. Public testimony was also a significant element of the meeting, particularly in relation to HB2214, where residents expressed their views on the proposed changes to community resources. The meeting concluded with a general consensus to forward the discussed bills to the next stage in the legislative process, reflecting a productive day of debate and collaboration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • into clean water.
  • The buyer of water rights is not going to be getting water service or wastewater service for their water
  • Water rights owners aren't assessed by utility districts for water and wastewater service.
  • Members, roughly half of all water in Texas gets used for watering lawns.
  • Water conservation is a low-cost, high-reward, and simple way to reduce water use.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on water management and infrastructure issues, highlighted by discussions surrounding several bills intended to address water supply and flood control. Representative Kitzman presented HB1535, which aims to extend the sunset review date for the Trinity River Authority, ensuring continued governance and operational improvements. Furthermore, HB3915 was introduced as a multi-purpose flood mitigation measure, offering solutions to the severe water scarcity in the region, particularly following recent catastrophic flooding events that emphasized the urgent need for improved water management. Public commentary reflected a strong interest in flood mitigation strategies, especially given the impacts of climate change and rapid population growth in the area.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Air or water? Air or water? Or both? Water? Water. Okay.
  • Water consumption, water use, and water runoff are also included.
  • You said y'all don't regulate blasting. Who regulates that?
  • Its water code spends over 2,000 pages regulating that
  • We've got a lot of rural water systems and water supply corporations who also don't qualify for Water
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two key pieces of legislation, HB2867 and HB2876, focusing on late fees associated with water and sewer services in Texas. Representative Gates laid out HB2867, highlighting the financial implications of payment deadlines and fees that disproportionately affect low-income households. He emphasized the need for limits on late payment fees to protect these vulnerable consumers from potentially abusive practices. A committee substitute was proposed to clarify some ambiguous language within the bill, aiming to promote fairness and transparency for customers. This led to a robust discussion among members and stakeholders present at the meeting, including testimony from representatives of municipal utilities who raised concerns about local control over fee structures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 14th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • trust and the water bank.
  • water quality division.
  • When small public water systems are regulated by TCEQ and are too small to have their own operators,
  • does not enter potable water supplies, which means clean drinking water.
  • drinking water standards.
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss several key bills addressing water management in Texas. Notable among these was SB2660, which aims to equip groundwater districts with improved management tools to handle the growing population's water needs. Support for the bill was voiced by constituents including the Hayes Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, emphasizing the necessity for proper resources to manage the aquifer sustainably. Additionally, discussions around SB1965 and SB1624 focused on enhancing the regulations surrounding water conservation and backflow prevention. There was notable public testimony both for and against these bills, highlighting the concern for public health and safety as well as the vested interests of landowners and water operators in the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • want regulations that are attainable.
  • As C.T.W.C., we are looking to better understand the water supply and the water demands for our region
  • We are in a critical stage; we need water, but we desperately need water.
  • There has to be enough water supplies.
  • And the same thing with water supply.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we'll probably be able to understand very quickly what is water, what's not water, and what volumes
  • Discharge of treated produced water into surface waters,
  • Both the discharge of treated produced water to surface waters
  • The uses of treated produced water must meet water quality
  • Produced water is a management issue.
Bills: SB766, SB290, SB494, SB1145
Summary: The meeting focused on significant issues surrounding oil field theft in Texas, specifically through the discussions on Senate Bills 494 and 766. Key testifiers included law enforcement representatives who outlined the challenges they face in combatting organized oil theft. Notably, Sheriff Stan Parker shared that his county reports upwards of 1,500 barrels of oil stolen monthly, highlighting the complexity of jurisdictional coordination and the demand for increased resources to tackle these crimes effectively. The committee recognized the need for improved communication and collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the oil industry.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and water failures.
  • We want to point out that water saved is the least expensive water that we have.
  • Additionally, water saved contributes to better water security.
  • that saved water costs.
  • It doesn't place any new regulations on the exempt well owners, and it amends the water code to protect
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing several important water-related bills, including HB391, HB420, and HB2626 among others. Representative Bell presented updates on HB391 related to accountability for rural water districts, achieving a consensus for statewide applicability and allowing for virtual meetings. Multiple testimonies were heard, showcasing both support for and concerns regarding the bills, specifically emphasizing the significance of maintaining water resources and addressing community needs amid Texas's growth. Representative Buckley advocated for HB2626 aimed at establishing the Central Texas Water Alliance to ensure sustainable water management across the region, which involves collaboration among various public, private, and state entities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was federally regulated, and the plan itself was what federal regulation dealt with.
  • The federal regulations left the product regulations

  • I have people that say just regulate it.
  • We chose to regulate it.
  • it, this is the first step in strong regulation.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding SB842, which clarifies protections for ringside physicians during combative sports events. This bill aims to enhance the recruitment of these physicians by granting them immunity from civil liability, barring cases of gross negligence. It received unanimous support, passing without objection. Additionally, SB35 was thoroughly debated. The bill, relating to design bill contracts, was also unanimously passed after discussions revealed concerns over how tailored contracts could restrict competition within the bidding process. Senators voiced their support for the bill and acknowledged the balance it strikes between regulation and opportunity.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Summary: During this session of the Senate, the primary focus was on Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The bill instigated a heated debate among members. Senator Menendez led the opposition, arguing that the law would infringe upon the diverse religious rights of Texas students by promoting a singular faith perspective, thereby disregarding the multi-faith background of the state. His statements emphasized the need to respect all beliefs and parental rights regarding spiritual education for their children. The session saw a sizable attendance, reflecting broad interest in the implications of such legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Established over eight decades ago, the 1944 Water Treaty outlines the allocation of water from the Colorado
  • timely water releases from Mexico.
  • Water bill here.
  • Does your bill indicate where this water ends up?
  • I'm on water and agriculture.
Summary: The meeting focused on various legislative matters but did not involve significant discussions on specific bills or topics. There appeared to be a lack of contention or substantial debate, with members mainly reiterating procedural updates. The overall atmosphere was calm, and there was an evident absence of public comment or witness testimony, which typically enriches legislative discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, and you'll make sure they have water.

  • Concrete covering over where the water permeates into the aquifer is the biggest concern for us.
  • ...precious of all resources, Senator Perry, water.
  • 44 Treaty regarding shared water resources.
  • I'm not talking about watering it down, but I voted for Senator Bettencourt's bill.
Bills: SCR5, SCR13, SB3, SB6, SB10, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB18, SB19, SB24, SB35, SB57, SB65, SB112, SB284, SB290, SB388, SB400, SB402, SB412, SB495, SB499, SB502, SB509, SB621, SB706, SB740, SB815, SB842, SB854, SB875, SB893, SB917, SB974, SB1025, SB1061, SB1073, SB1106, SB1268, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1379, SB1447, SB1451, SB1555, SB1902, SJR36, SJR12, SCR13, SCR25, SCR5, SCR22, SCR12, SCR24, SB495, SB412, SB10, SB18, SB565, SB372, SB842, SB765, SB62, SB19, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB290, SB13, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB917, SB925, SB388, SB1902, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB35, SB6, SB815, SB3, SB1281, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB1451, SB1061, SB15, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB499, SB621, SB974, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1106, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB400, SB609, SB1447, SB670, SB502, SB427, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1555, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB893, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB509, SB985, SB965, SB17, SB1119, SB1505, SB12, SB24, SB57, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1268, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840, SJR57, SCR8, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB610, SB918, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB535, SB761, SB1, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB3, SB6, SB15, SB35, SB290, SB706, SB842, SB917, SB1281, SB1451, SB1902, SB12, SB13, SB17, SB19, SB388, SR261, SR265, SR276, SR277, SR281, SR286, SR293, SCR5, SCR13, SB2425, SB2880, SB10, SB12, SB13, SB17, SB18, SB19, SB388, SB412, SB495, SB2425, SB2880
Summary: The committee convened to discuss SB13, which seeks to regulate the presence of sexually explicit materials in school libraries. The session was marked by a strong emphasis on protecting minors from harmful content, drawing significant bipartisan support. Senator Paxton initiated the motion to consider the bill, highlighting prior legislative efforts to guard against exposure to explicit materials, including unanimous passage of measures like age verification for online pornographic sites and the SCOPE Act, designed to shield minors on social media platforms. In-depth discussions unfolded regarding the selection and oversight of library materials, framed around community standards and developmental suitability for children. Concerns were expressed about maintaining access to important educational resources while ensuring content appropriateness in libraries.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have no problem with water availability.
  • want regulations that are attainable?
  • I lead the water program in Texas for...
  • We at CTWC are looking to better understand the water supply and the water demands for our region.
  • There has to be enough water supplies.
Summary: During this committee meeting, several critical bills were deliberated, reflecting the legislators' commitment to addressing property tax regulations and groundwater issues in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 325 was introduced to close loopholes created by House Bill 3697, ensuring that subdivisions reliant on private roads must demonstrate groundwater availability, a move praised by representatives from environmental and public welfare organizations. The bill emphasizes the necessity for sustainable development practices to prevent future water shortages. Another significant focus was Senate Bill 2172, which aims to rectify the erroneous interpretation of the tax code regarding homestead exemptions, protecting compliant homeowners from unfair tax burdens. This cleanup bill clarifies reapplication processes for homestead exemptions to prevent confusion among appraisal districts and homeowners alike. Public testimony from various stakeholders echoed widespread support for the bills, highlighting the importance of transparency and fair administration in property-related legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, our role as the regulator, we ensure that ASR projects that involve water being injected into an
  • No, I said that the point of our regulations is to ensure the water quality is compatible and won't degrade
  • But we need water. We need water, and the Rio Grande River isn't cutting it.
  • Council, as well as Austin Water.
  • ASR is an essential part of the state water plan and Austin's 100-year water plan.
Summary: In this meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions surrounding House Bill 1523, which addresses the City of Austin's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. Representative Gerdes laid out substantial concerns regarding the potential risks posed to local aquifers, as he emphasized the lack of transparency and community engagement by the City of Austin. Testimonies from members of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District supported the bill, citing worries about adverse chemical reactions and the implications for groundwater as crucial reasons for opposing the project. Conversely, representatives from the City of Austin expressed the necessity of the ASR project for regional water supply planning and addressed the purported benefits it would provide.

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