Texas House Bill HB4509

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the metering of certain wells by the Panola County Groundwater Conservation District.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4509 is expected to directly impact groundwater management strategies within Panola County. By exempting smaller wells from the metering requirement, the bill seeks to simplify the compliance landscape for local well owners and reduce operational costs. However, it raises concerns among environmental advocates who fear that such exemptions could strain local water resources, especially in areas facing water scarcity issues.

Summary

House Bill 4509 primarily addresses the regulation of groundwater extraction by establishing specific provisions regarding the metering of wells. The bill mandates that the Panola County Groundwater Conservation District is not allowed to require metering for wells that have a production capacity of less than 25,000 gallons of groundwater per day. This metric sets a threshold aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on smaller well operators while still managing groundwater resources effectively.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 4509 could bring forth differing opinions among stakeholders, particularly around the balance between environmental conservation and resource management. Proponents of the bill argue that the exemptions will encourage local business and agricultural activities without the added regulatory overhead. On the other hand, critics may argue that the lack of stringent metering for smaller wells compromises the region's ability to monitor and manage groundwater effectively, which is vital for sustainable water use in the face of increasing demand.