The House Committee on Natural Resources

83rd Legislature

June 25, 2014

10:00 a.m.

E2.010

Pursuant to a notice posted on May 16, 2014, the House Committee on Natural Resources met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Ritter, at 10:08 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Ritter; Johnson; Ashby; Bonnen, Dennis; King, Tracy O.; Larson; and Miller, Doug.

A quorum was present.

INTERIM CHARGE NUMBER 2

The chair laid out Interim Charge Number 2 which states, “Evaluate the availability, management, and development of groundwater in the state. Consider the economic, environmental, and social impacts of groundwater usage and production in the agricultural, municipal, and energy sectors. In particular, examine methods to facilitate further development of brackish groundwater resources and to improve the consistency and certainty of permitting by groundwater districts without undercutting reasonable regional and local regulation of groundwater.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Chair recognized Representative Workman present for discussion by permission of the chair.)

(Representative Lucio III now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Callegari now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Keffer now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Johnson in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Ritter in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

INTERIM CHARGE NUMBER 4

The chair laid out Interim Charge Number 4 which states, “Examine strategies to enhance the use of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects, including a review of existing ASR facilities in Texas and elsewhere.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

INTERIM CHARGE NUMBER 3

The chair laid out Interim Charge Number 3 which states, “Explore opportunities to encourage voluntary protection and stewardship of privately owned lands in support of the state’s water supply and to protect environmental flow needs in Texas rivers. Examine methods in which state agencies, water rights holders, and non-governmental organizations can work together through programs like the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program and the Texas Water Trust.”

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 7:07 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

________________________________________________

Rep. Ritter, Chair

________________________________________________

Elizabeth Fazio, Clerk