Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1191

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

Caption

Relating to the regulation of commercial development of groundwater in certain areas.

Impact

The legislation aims to safeguard groundwater resources by requiring public hearings and thorough evaluations of potential adverse effects stemming from groundwater production. The Texas Water Development Board is tasked with considering several ecological and community factors, including predicted population growth, shortages of surface or groundwater, and possible contamination, before making a decision on drilling applications. By enforcing this regulation, the bill hopes to maintain sustainable water usage in regions facing environmental concerns.

Summary

House Bill 1191 seeks to regulate the commercial development of groundwater in areas specified as 'buffer zones', which are defined as areas extending five miles from the boundaries of priority groundwater management areas. The bill mandates that individuals or entities wishing to drill or operate a well in these buffer zones must submit their applications for approval to both the Texas Water Development Board and the relevant groundwater conservation district, thereby instituting additional layers of scrutiny for groundwater extraction activities.

Contention

While the bill is designed to protect vital groundwater resources, it may face pushback from various stakeholders, including commercial developers and local governments, who could argue that such regulatory measures could stifle economic growth and impede business operations. Opponents could raise concerns that excessive regulation may hamper their ability to engage in commercial activities that involve groundwater use, particularly in areas where water resources are abundant. The discussions around this bill may necessitate a balancing act between environmental sustainability and economic development.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB156

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

TX HB4444

Relating to the management of groundwater by certain districts and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX HB4891

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

TX SB2453

Relating to certain regulations adopted by governmental entities for the building products, materials, or methods used in the construction of residential or commercial buildings.

TX SB39

Relating to certain regulations adopted by governmental entities for the building products, materials, or methods used in the construction of residential or commercial buildings.

TX HB3278

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

TX HB4294

Relating to certain regulations adopted by governmental entities for the building products, materials, or methods used in the construction of residential or commercial buildings.

TX HB3312

Relating to certain regulations adopted by governmental entities for the building products, materials, or methods used in the construction of residential or commercial buildings.

TX SB32

Relating to land development, waste management, and the creation of special districts in counties.

TX HB1565

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

Similar Bills

CA AB709

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.

CA SB1220

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.

CA AB2201

Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.

CA AB828

Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands.

CA AB929

Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands.

CA AB321

Groundwater sustainability agencies.

CA AB1944

Sustainable groundwater management: San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Basin.

CA SB315

Groundwater: groundwater sustainability agencies: probationary basins.