Texas Senate Bill SB800

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to extensions of an expired permit for the transfer of groundwater from a groundwater conservation district.

Impact

The legislative changes promote smoother processes for those managing groundwater resources, potentially allowing for a more stable supply of water for various uses, which is critical for many regions in Texas. By allowing extensions that match operational permits, the bill aims to provide greater consistency and predictability for stakeholders involved in groundwater production and transfer activities. Additionally, the bill allows districts to review and limit the amounts of water transferred under a permit based on conservation data, emphasizing ongoing sustainability.

Summary

Senate Bill 800 relates to the extension of expired permits for transferring groundwater from conservation districts. It introduces amendments to Section 36.122 of the Water Code by establishing new subsections that outline processes for permitting and renewal of groundwater transfers. The bill dictates that a groundwater conservation district must extend a permit's term before its expiration to align with the terms of an operational permit, ensuring that it does not shorten the original period permitted for water production transfers.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from concerns regarding the balance between water resource management and agricultural or business needs. Some stakeholders may argue that while the bill provides framework for renewing permits, it might not adequately address the needs of conservation and environmental protections. There could be apprehensions from environmental groups about potential abuse of extended permits leading to unsustainable water extraction practices. Therefore, careful considerations must be taken to ensure responsible groundwater management alongside the demands placed on the resource.