Texas Senate Bill SB2067

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the matters to be considered in developing the state water plan.

Impact

By enforcing these amendments to the Water Code, SB2067 aims to enhance Texas's ability to manage its water resources effectively. The bill requires the Texas Water Development Board to not only assess the current water management strategies but also to scrutinize past projects, ensuring that lessons learned are applied to future planning. This scrutiny aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water-related projects, ultimately striving to meet the growing demands of Texas's population and economy.

Summary

Senate Bill 2067 addresses the development of the state water plan in Texas, specifically outlining the considerations and assessments that must be integrated into this critical planning process. The bill mandates comprehensive evaluations of both future water availability and usage, requiring an analysis of factors such as precipitation patterns, evaporation rates, and storage capacities. More importantly, it emphasizes incorporating the best available scientific data to inform these assessments and to promote sustainable management of water resources.

Contention

While the bill seeks to advance responsible water management, it has generated discussions among various stakeholders. Points of contention mainly revolve around the extent of state involvement in local water decisions and whether the utilization of scientific data aligns with the realities faced by local communities. Some advocates argue that the bill could centralize authority and diminish local control over water resources, potentially undermining specific regional needs and priorities. Thus, the balance between state regulations and local autonomy remains a focal point of concern among community leaders and environmental advocates.