Texas House Bill HB1741

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09
• Voted on by House: 5/1/09

Caption

Relating to the recharge of the Edwards Aquifer.

Impact

The enactment of HB1741 could have profound implications on water management policies within Texas. By enabling political subdivisions to receive compensation for artificially recharging the Edwards Aquifer, it promotes collaborative efforts in the sustainable management of water resources. This measure aims to incentivize local governments to invest in recharge projects, which could ultimately improve water availability and quality in the region. However, the bill limits compensation solely to activities undertaken after its effective date, thus not retroactively affecting prior artificial recharge actions.

Summary

House Bill 1741 is an act focused on the recharge of the Edwards Aquifer, specifically addressing the compensation for political subdivisions that engage in artificial recharge activities. The bill amends Chapter 626 of the Acts of the 73rd Legislature, introducing Section 1.445, which establishes the rights of subdivisions to withdraw and be compensated for water they have injected into the aquifer. This is significant, as it provides a mechanism for public entities to recover costs associated with the operation of recharge facilities and ensures that they can benefit from the water injected into the aquifer based on certain conditions and formulas laid out in the bill.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention regarding this bill, particularly about the definitions and methods used to evaluate the amount of water recharged and the costs associated with operating recharge facilities. Stakeholders, including local water authorities and environmental groups, may have varying opinions on the adequacy of compensation rates and the methods of assessment outlined in the bill. Concerns may also arise regarding the long-term sustainability of the aquifer and whether the incentives provided by the bill effectively address environmental considerations alongside the economic ones.