HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:   Natural Resources 

TIME & DATE: 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 25, 2014 

PLACE:       E2.010 
CHAIR:       Rep. Allan Ritter 

Committee will meet to discuss the following:

Interim Charge Number 2 relating to the evaluation of 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.

Interim Charge Number 3 relating to the exploration of 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.

Interim Charge Number 4 relating to the examination of strategies to enhance the use of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) projects, including a review of existing ASR facilities in Texas and elsewhere.

The Committee will hear invited testimony only.

The Agenda will be available at the hearing.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Stacey Nicchio at (512) 463-0850, 24 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.