Texas Senate Bill SB1647

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the administration, duties, and operation of the Edwards Aquifer Authority; authorizing a fee.

Impact

This legislation significantly impacts the regulatory framework surrounding groundwater management in Texas. Notably, SB1647 emphasizes the authority’s power to manage abandoned or deteriorated wells and provides it the rights to intervene if property owners fail to comply with closure directives. The authority's ability to file suits against non-compliant parties is also enhanced, thereby strengthening its enforcement capabilities regarding water conservation laws. This could lead to increased accountability among landowners concerning their water resources, ultimately contributing to more sustainable water management practices.

Summary

SB1647 relates to the administration, duties, and operations of the Edwards Aquifer Authority, an entity responsible for managing groundwater resources in Texas. The bill includes provisions for defining new administrative processes, including how the authority can charge fees for permit applications and other related costs. These fees are intended to recover the administrative expenses tied to various functions performed by the authority, including issuing grants and loans aimed at promoting water conservation and reuse. Importantly, the bill seeks to ensure that the authority's powers align more closely with state laws governing water use.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB1647 mainly revolve around the balance of authority power and property rights. Critics argue that the bill's provisions could infringe on landowners' rights to manage their properties as they see fit, particularly in relation to well closure and associated fees. Additionally, there are concerns regarding potential overreach by the Edwards Aquifer Authority in its efforts to regulate groundwater use strictly. These discussions highlight the broader tension between environmental regulations and landowner rights, which will continue to be central to the dialogue surrounding aquifer management in Texas.