In this meeting, the committee engaged in extensive discussions surrounding House Bill 1523, which addresses the City of Austin's Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. Representative Gerdes laid out substantial concerns regarding the potential risks posed to local aquifers, as he emphasized the lack of transparency and community engagement by the City of Austin. Testimonies from members of the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District supported the bill, citing worries about adverse chemical reactions and the implications for groundwater as crucial reasons for opposing the project. Conversely, representatives from the City of Austin expressed the necessity of the ASR project for regional water supply planning and addressed the purported benefits it would provide.
Relating to a temporary prohibition on the authorization by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of the use of a Class V injection well for certain aquifer storage and recovery projects.
Relating to the authority of the Texas Water Development Board to provide financial assistance to certain political subdivisions for brackish water desalination.
Relating to the powers, duties, and governance of the Starr County Drainage District, the change of the name of the Starr County Drainage District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District, the dissolution of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District, and the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Starr County Groundwater Conservation District to the Starr County Drainage and Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District No. 7; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 13; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.