Honorable Allan Ritter, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB907 by Seliger (Relating to the management, operation, rulemaking authority, and oversight of groundwater conservation districts.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Water Code to change certain procedures for a groundwater conservation district’s management (GCD) plan. A GCD would be required to implement certain aspects of the management plan to limit well production if deemed necessary, but would not be allowed to limit well production unless a management plan is approved.
Not later than the 60th day after the date of the administrative approval of a GCD's management plan, the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) would be required to ensure that it is consistent with the desired future conditions that are applicable to all or part of the GCD.
The bill would authorize a GCD to use production fees for any purpose consistent with the GCD’s approved management plan, but would limit the use of permit fees. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) would provide additional oversight authority of a GCD, including the ability to oversee well permitting practices and certain aspects of the management plan of a groundwater conservation district.
According to TCEQ and TWDB, implementing the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant fiscal impact.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
580 Water Development Board, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality