BILL ANALYSIS
By: Van de Putte
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is responsible for managing and protecting the Edwards Aquifer, which provides water to over 1.5 million Texans. However, due to increasing environmental threats, such as the fire in Helotes, Texas, that occurred over the aquifer, a need has emerged for additional planning features to protect the aquifer.
S.B. 585 requires that the Edwards Aquifer Authority board of directors (board) adopt rules pertaining to fire control in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. S.B. 585 requires the board to consult with fire departments and fire marshals in those areas to adopt a plan to fight fires while protecting the aquifer.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Article 1, Chapter 626, Acts of the 73rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1993, by adding Section 1.081, as follows:
Sec. 1.081. FIRE CONTROL. Requires the board of directors of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (board) to adopt rules regarding the control of fires in the aquifer's recharge zone in order to protect the water quality of the aquifer. Requires the board, in adopting rules under this section, to consult with fire departments and fire marshals with jurisdiction over the recharge zone.
SECTION 2. Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.