Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1429

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the exemption of the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District from certain provisions concerning the desired future conditions of an aquifer.

Impact

The enactment of SB1429 will redefine how the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District interacts with state water regulations. Specifically, it abolishes the applicability of several sections of the Water Code, which could lead to significant alterations in management practices. Affected persons will no longer be able to invoke certain legal processes that were available to them under prior law, which could limit their ability to challenge water management decisions made by the district. This change could raise concerns regarding accountability and environmental oversight.

Summary

SB1429 proposes an exemption for the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District from specific provisions of the Water Code relating to the desired future conditions (DFCs) of an aquifer. This legislation aims to modify the existing framework that governs how aquifer conditions are managed, thereby allowing the district greater flexibility in its operations without adhering to the same regulatory standards that apply to other districts under Chapter 36 of the Water Code. By doing so, the bill seeks to address the unique challenges faced by the Corpus Christi aquifer in terms of storage and recovery, highlighting the necessity of localized governance in water resource management.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding SB1429 may arise from environmental groups and local stakeholders who argue that the bill could hamper protective measures for the aquifer's health and sustainability. Critics may express fears that exempting the district from certain regulatory standards will lead to mismanagement of groundwater resources, potentially jeopardizing water quality and availability for the surrounding communities. Proponents of the bill, however, may counter that the exemption is essential for tailored and efficient management of the aquifer, which may not fit neatly within broader state regulations.

Companion Bills

TX HB2764

Identical Relating to the exemption of the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District from certain provisions concerning the desired future conditions of an aquifer.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2379

Relating to aquifer storage and recovery projects that transect a portion of the Edwards Aquifer.

TX HB4532

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB2540

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB2397

Relating to the consideration of modeled sustained groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts.

TX SB1745

Relating to the equalization of the rates of production fees charged on certain wells by the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District; authorizing an increase in the rate of the fee.

TX HB4891

Relating to the joint planning of desired future conditions in groundwater management areas.

TX HB1646

Relating to the use of water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer.

TX SB156

Relating to the regulation and management of the use of groundwater and regulation of groundwater conservation districts.

TX HB3278

Relating to the joint planning of desired future conditions in groundwater management areas.

TX SB1746

Relating to an exemption from the requirement to obtain a permit from a groundwater conservation district for certain temporary water wells.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.