Texas Senate Bill SB1907

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study conducted by the Texas Water Development Board regarding the development of a market and conveyance network for water in this state.

Impact

If enacted, SB1907 has the potential to significantly shape the governance of water resources in Texas. The bill underscores the need for a well-structured water market that incentivizes efficient resource allocation amongst various users, including municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational entities. This could lead to improved methods for the transfer of water entitlements across different regions, ultimately enabling a more resilient infrastructure capable of addressing future water scarcity challenges.

Summary

SB1907 pertains to the establishment of a study conducted by the Texas Water Development Board aimed at developing a market and conveyance network for water within Texas. The bill highlights the necessity of improving water usage efficiency to fulfill the growing water demands of the state. Legislative findings assert that the efficient use of water can be advanced through better laws governing water transfers and the construction of integrated conveyance systems, including pipelines and reservoirs. It mandates a comprehensive examination of the existing water rights and potential sources for a more effective water distribution framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1907 appears to lean toward a pragmatic approach to water governance, which is necessary given the escalating challenges related to water supply and usage in Texas. Advocates for the bill emphasize the importance of a modernized framework that can adapt to the state's dynamic landscape, while critics might raise concerns about the implications of market-driven water rights on public access and environmental considerations. Overall, support seems robust, grounded in a shared acknowledgment of the critical nature of water resource management in the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1907 may revolve around the intersection of market-based approaches to water management and the traditional public stewardship of water resources. Opponents may argue that the focus on privatizing control over water distribution could limit public access and raise ethical questions about equitability in resource allocation. Furthermore, the bill’s approach to integrating existing infrastructures and potentially funding new projects could lead to debates about the best methods to finance such initiatives and their long-term sustainability.