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Amend CSSB 2120 by adding the following new SECTION to the
bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS appropriately:
SECTION ____. STUDY AND REPORT. (a) The Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality shall conduct a study regarding the impact
on the entire Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer of rules and plans adopted by
groundwater conservation districts in whose boundaries the aquifer
is located and of determinations made by groundwater conservation
districts in connection with the joint planning process relating to
groundwater management areas in whose boundaries the aquifer is
located. In conducting the study, the commission shall examine:
(1) whether the rules and plans adopted by each
groundwater conservation district:
(A) are based on sound scientific principles;
(B) adequately conserve and protect the aquifer
and ensure the achievement of the applicable desired future
condition for each part of the district; and
(C) are likely to affect other groundwater
conservation districts or groundwater management areas;
(2) whether each district is enforcing substantial
compliance with its rules;
(3) whether the desired future conditions established
under Section 36.108, Water Code, in each groundwater management
area are reasonable and based on sound scientific principles, and
whether the rules adopted by each district are designed to achieve
the applicable desired future condition;
(4) other long-term impacts of the applicable rules
and plans on the aquifer, taking into consideration:
(A) projected population and agricultural,
municipal, and industrial demands for water from the aquifer within
the groundwater conservation districts; and
(B) other appropriate factors as determined by
commission rule; and
(5) whether the presence of contaminants in the
recharge area of the aquifer and the potential pollution of the
aquifer are issues that should be addressed and, if so, by whom.
(b) The Texas Water Development Board and the Bureau of
Economic Geology of The University of Texas at Austin shall assist
the commission in conducting the study under this section.
(c) The commission may contract with any appropriate person
to assist the commission in conducting the study under this
section.
(d) Not later than December 31, 2012, the commission shall
report the results of the study conducted under this Act to the
governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of
representatives, and the standing committees in the senate and the
house of representatives that have primary jurisdiction over
natural resources. The report may include the commission's
recommendations for legislation to address any areas of concern.
(e) The changes in law made by (a) - (d) expire August 31,
2013.