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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of water |
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needs and availability in this state. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. (a) In this section, "board" means the Texas |
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Water Development Board. |
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(b) The board shall: |
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(1) conduct a study of water needs and availability in |
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this state; and |
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(2) use the results of the study to produce a |
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comprehensive water resources map. |
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(c) The study must consider: |
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(1) opportunities for, obstacles to, and costs |
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associated with the development of new sources of water, including |
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but not limited to the diversion of water from contiguous states, |
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the use of flood control diversion channels, and the reuse of water |
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associated with oil and gas operations; |
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(2) potential locations of facilities for the |
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desalination of marine seawater and brackish groundwater; |
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(3) the allocation of costs associated with the |
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transportation of desalinated marine seawater and brackish |
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groundwater from the place of production to end users; |
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(4) the potential for the use of public-private |
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partnerships for water development projects in this state; and |
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(5) methods to ensure that stakeholders from all water |
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user groups are included in the development of plans for the use of |
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water in this state. |
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(d) In conducting the study, the board may consult with the |
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. |
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(e) Not later than December 1, 2018, the board shall submit |
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to each standing committee of the legislature having primary |
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jurisdiction over water development: |
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(1) a report of the findings of the study conducted |
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under this section; and |
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(2) the map developed by the board under Subsection |
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(b) of this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |
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