Texas Senate Bill SB515

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the effects of the construction of a border wall on storm drainage and other environmental matters in this state.

Impact

The bill seeks to provide a systematic examination of how a border wall may influence flood management and other storm drainage concerns within the state. By developing recommendations based on their findings, the board and commission aim to identify measures to mitigate any potential negative consequences. This proactive approach is intended to safeguard Texas’s water resources and environmental integrity in light of federal actions related to border security and construction.

Summary

Senate Bill 515 relates to a study mandated by the Texas Legislature, directing the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to investigate the environmental implications of constructing a border wall between the United States and Mexico. The bill outlines specific areas of concern, including storm drainage, water quality, and potential environmental contamination resulting from such construction. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that any negative effects on these critical environmental factors are thoroughly assessed and addressed.

Contention

While the bill appears to focus on environmental protection, there may be contention surrounding the broader implications of constructing a border wall, particularly in terms of local governance and federal authority. Critics might argue that the bill's findings could lead to legal actions against the federal government, reflecting a struggle between state regulatory bodies and the federal government's decisions regarding immigration policy and border security. The potential for such conflicts indicates that stakeholders could be divided on the overall goals and outcomes of the study mandated by SB515.