Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'water supply'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Woodlawn Water Supply Corporation, located in my home county of Angelina, believes that it is in
  • the best interest of their water supply corporation and its members to dissolve and transfer all of its
  • The board may provide financial assistance for water supply
  • fund counties and non-profit water supply corporations.
  • Securing a safe and reliable water supply is crucial for the economic prosperity of our state.
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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 7th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • supply projects to supplement the state's water plan.
  • So the 80% goes to the new water supply bucket.
  • I know the key is water supply; what do you do about water sources?
  • How much is water loss? Is it a factor in ensuring water supply?
  • Fund, including the new Water Supply Fund, can be funded strategically to address our water supply needs
Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7
Summary: The meeting focused on HJR7, with substantial discussions surrounding Texas' dire water infrastructure needs and proposed funding allocations. The committee, led by Chairman Perry, emphasized the necessity for a dedicated funding source to address an estimated $154 billion required for both water supply projects and repairing aging infrastructure. Witnesses, including executives from various engineering and environmental organizations, testified about the critical state of Texas' water systems and the anticipated shortfall of 6.8 million acre-feet of water annually by 2070. Testimony highlighted the urgency of implementing strategies such as desalination and flood mitigation to secure Texas' future water resources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, thank you for the work you and Senator Perry are doing to ensure an adequate water supply for
  • for the sake of scarcity in water supply? Yes, sir.
  • Policy Association that's focused on water supply and management.
  • So you do need additional water supplies.
  • supply needs, and you all are doing an amazing job in addressing the water needs.
Summary: The meeting addressed critical water management issues in Texas, with significant discussions revolving around House Bill 5188 and House Bill 2109. Representative Lopez presented HB 5188, focusing on addressing the statewide water crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for managing water supplies effectively. The bill aims to facilitate the development of brackish groundwater sources as alternative water supplies while reducing the regulatory burden associated with it. Members engaged in a thorough debate regarding the implications of the bill, particularly its environmental impacts and the benefits it brings to various communities, especially those facing severe water shortages.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • grant program administered from the water supply account.
  • Item 15 provides a significant opportunity to address the Valley's need for new water supply sources.
  • ...into a usable water supply source.
  • But unfortunately, this growth has not brought with it additional water supplies.
  • to protect vital water supplies.
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 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • support for solutions that expand Texas's water supply portfolio.
  • by the new Water Supply fund.
  • It takes significant steps to develop new water supplies and to preserve the water that we already have
  • Reuse is a vital strategy to augment water supplies.
  • under the new water supply for Texas.
Bills: SB7
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on Senate Bill 7, which aims to enhance Texas's water infrastructure amid growing population and environmental challenges. Various stakeholders, including representatives from engineering firms, environmental organizations, and water associations, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing its potential to address pressing water supply issues and improve infrastructure reliability. Key topics of discussion included water reuse, flood infrastructure funding, and the need for legislative oversight to ensure effective management of financial resources. The testimony underscored the importance of adapting to aging water systems while promoting innovative solutions for sustainability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • to allow a manner for rural water supply corporations to
  • water infrastructure and water supplies needed to sustain population growth and economic development
  • supply projects that are in the state water plan without adding to the state's debt or funding.
  • water supplies to the state.
  • 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
Transcript Highlights:
  • Citizens expect their public water supply systems to provide clean, safe drinking water.
  • It would encourage projects that turn flood water or storm water into a valuable water supply, improving
  • That water could have supplied the annual water supply needs for many large cities.
  • We're a statewide water policy association focusing on water supply and management.
  • , water supply, drainage, as well as water users and those who support the water industry.
Summary: The committee meeting was centered around critical discussions on various bills aimed at improving water management and mitigating losses in municipal water systems. Notably, Senate Bill 1190 sparked significant conversation regarding the high water loss rates among large utilities, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for stringent, consistent validation measures and penalties. The chair expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts to enhance groundwater management through Bill 1855, which aims to clarify the certification process for groundwater availability, addressing concerns on the ambiguities in the previous legislation. Public testimonies were heard, with supportive sentiments towards improving water conservation strategies and accountability measures within water utilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Of that, $250 million is for the new Water Supply Texas Fund.
  • SWIFT is for new water supply projects in the state water plan.
  • It makes no sense to develop new water supply if.
  • water supply for what I would assume is.
  • be used for new water supply.
Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They also informed me that it is a water district's bond counsel, not the water district itself, that
  • very sympathetic to our small rural water providers and Water
  • Supply Corporations.
  • There are a number of different water districts, including water control improvement districts.
  • Water conservation districts, freshwater supply districts
Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee included detailed discussions on two main bills: HB279 and HB638. Representative Harris opened the session by moving that HB279 be reported favorably, a motion that passed unanimously with ten votes in favor and none opposed. Following this, Representative Tepper presented HB638, which requires most water districts to record their meetings and post them online. The purpose of this bill is to ensure transparency and accessibility, especially in light of the substantial investments in water infrastructure projected for the state. Various stakeholders, including those in favor and against the bill, provided testimony highlighting both the benefits of transparency and concerns over implementation costs and logistical challenges for smaller districts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Williamson County Water Plant supplies treated water

  • Authority, Wells Branch MUD, and Red Bluff Water District.
  • We're injecting treated drinking water, standard water, through
  • The Water Development Board is responsible for developing both the state water plan and the state flood
  • There is a lack of clarity for the Water Development Board when financing water infrastructure projects
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the consideration of several water-related bills, including HB1618, HB2970, HB3609, and HB3628. Representative Harris introduced HB1618, which aims to facilitate aquifer storage and recovery projects in Williamson County to support growth and address drought issues. Multiple witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for effective water management in a rapidly growing area. The discussion highlighted the increasing water demands along the I-35 corridor. Representative Paul advocated for HB2970, which codifies navigation safety measures for the Houston Ship Channel, a vital component for Texas's economy. This bill is linked to a major federal project intended to protect against storm surges while ensuring two-way traffic on the channel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...water needs and proportional to the water supplied to them
  • a reliable and uninterrupted supply of potable water and electricity is essential to the mission of
  • A reliable water supply is essential for our homes, our agriculture, our industry, and the community.
  • This would include municipal water systems, public water supply corporations, river authorities, and
  • to, the amount of water that's delivered on the supply side to your endpoints and your customers?
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

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

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • water for beneficial purposes.
  • It offsets the burden of our potable water supply.
  • On the river for both recreational use and as a water supply
  • It’s also the approach that we take on water supply development, so why would it not be the approach
  • 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
Transcript Highlights:
  • supply, a survey indicated that 52% of the state's water supply is inundated.
  • Fund, primarily for new water supply development.
  • Governing water supply contracts for in-state water do not apply to contracts for water import.
  • 2.1 million acre-feet of water supply.
  • to other board funds that will identify water supply...
Summary: This meeting of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs focused on substantial discussions regarding Senate Bill 7, which is a key legislative initiative addressing Texas' long-term water supply crisis. Chairman Perry emphasized the collaborative efforts over the past years to engage various stakeholders in crafting the bill, promoting transparency and accountability in the management of water resources. The bill aims to enhance Texas' water infrastructure and secure funding through dedicated revenue streams for water supply projects, as the state faces challenges associated with dwindling water availability. Several public testimonies were heard, reflecting both support and concerns from various sectors affected by water policies in the state. The committee aimed to ensure that the legislation not only addresses immediate needs but also creates a sustainable framework for future generations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill allows the transfer of the Woodlawn Water Supply Corporation
  • >

    The River Authority has all the technical capability to manage water

  • supply and its members.
  • Just their water management was under sunset, but the energy production and power distribution were not
Summary: This committee meeting focused on the discussions surrounding SB2476, which proposes the transfer of the Woodlawn Water Supply Corporation to the Angelina and Natchez River Authority. Senator Nichols presented the bill, highlighting its local agreements and the technical capabilities of the River Authority to manage the water supply efficiently. The discussion included inquiries about the implications of this transfer, particularly regarding sunrise accountability and whether the new arrangement would adhere to sunset processes in the future. Members engaged in a collaborative dialogue, reflecting an understanding of the local needs and the importance of maintaining water supply management.
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
  • to ongoing water supply issues and failed attempts to negotiate
  • timely water releases from Mexico.
  • 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

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
  • Water Supply Corporation, that's who I'm representing today.
  • supply corporations, special utility districts, and fresh water supply districts.
  • who has, for example, a water supply corporation, a special utility district, or a fresh water supply
  • TWA is a statewide association focusing on water supply and management.
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:
  • There's a tremendous need for water supply and water infrastructure in Texas.
  • to water supply projects.
  • , more drought-proof water supplies.
  • Groundwater is a vital part of Texas's water supply, making up over half of our total water supply and
  • supply, and conserving water in agriculture.
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

Senate Session (Part II) Mar 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 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.
  • supply.
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

89th Legislative Session Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 9540"> HB 422 by Gonzalez of El Paso, relating to limitations on the issuance of bonds by the Texas Water
  • I really appreciate your attention on trying to bring water
  • We believe that everybody should have the basic ability to open their tap and get some water.
Summary: During this committee meeting, a range of bills were discussed, focusing primarily on public safety and community health issues. There were significant conversations surrounding HB3159, where members raised concerns about its implications for local law enforcement practices. The bill drew various opinions from committee members, with some supporting its approach to funding police training, while others questioned its efficacy in addressing community needs. Additionally, there was an emphasis on testimony from community representatives, who expressed both support and opposition, enriching the discourse around the proposed legislation.

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