Texas House Bill HB3494

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of desired future conditions of groundwater resources and revision of those conditions by the Texas Water Development Board.

Impact

The impact of HB3494 on state laws will be significant in terms of groundwater resource management. The Texas Water Development Board will have the authority to revise the desired future conditions based on current scientific data, thus ensuring that groundwater resources are managed according to up-to-date information. This act, if enacted, will enable more responsive governance related to water resources, potentially leading to better outcomes for both ecological systems and users of groundwater. Additionally, it could affect water allocation decisions and regional development policies as local governments adapt to new regulatory requirements.

Summary

House Bill 3494 focuses on the establishment and periodic revision of desired future conditions for groundwater resources in Texas. The bill seeks to amend existing sections of the Water Code to ensure that groundwater management districts take into account variations in aquifer conditions across different geographical areas. By mandating the systematic consideration of groundwater availability models and other relevant data, the bill aims to promote sustainable groundwater management practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB3494 may include concerns over local sovereignty in groundwater management versus state oversight. Some stakeholders might argue that the increased centralization of authority could undermine local management strategies or ignore unique local aquifer conditions. There may also be opposition from agricultural or industrial interests that rely heavily on groundwater; if stricter regulations are enforced following the revisions, these entities might find their operational costs increased. Thus, the balancing act between sustainable resource management and economic interests will likely dominate discussions as the bill progresses.