Texas Senate Bill SB1350

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Refer: 3/22/11

Caption

Relating to land excluded from the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area.

Impact

The potential impact of SB1350 involves changes to groundwater management practices in the Hill Country area. By removing specific lands from the PMGMA, the bill could alter the regulatory framework applied to those areas, possibly affecting water usage restrictions and conservation efforts. Supporters might argue that this change allows local governance to adapt more flexibly to regional needs, while opponents may express concern about the sustainability of groundwater resources in the affected regions without the oversight provided by inclusion in the PMGMA.

Summary

SB1350 seeks to amend the Texas Water Code by excluding certain lands from the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area (PMGMA). This legislation defines specific territorial boundaries that are no longer included in the PMGMA, which was originally established to manage and protect the groundwater resources in the Hill Country region of Texas. The bill outlines a detailed description of the excluded lands, providing clarity on the geographical adjustments being made.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB1350 appears to be mixed, reflecting a divide between local interests and broader environmental concerns. Proponents of the bill are likely to focus on local autonomy and the need for tailored management solutions, while critics could raise alarms about the risks of groundwater depletion and the degradation of water resources without cohesive management practices. This debate underscores the ongoing challenges related to water resource management in Texas, particularly as it pertains to balancing development with sustainable practices.

Contention

Key points of contention include the potential environmental consequences of excluding lands from critical groundwater management oversight. The specific delineation of boundaries in the bill may also come under scrutiny, particularly regarding how these boundaries were established and the implications they carry for neighboring areas not explicitly mentioned in the legislation. Ultimately, SB1350 raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness and reach of local control versus centralized groundwater management strategies.