The House Committee on Natural Resources

82nd Legislature

March 22, 2012

9:00 a.m.

E2.010

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on March 9, 2012, the House Committee on Natural Resources met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Ritter, at 9:06 a.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Ritter; King, Tracy O.; Beck; Creighton; Keffer; Larson; Miller, Doug; and Price.

 

A quorum was present.


 

INTERIM CHARGE NUMBER 1

 

The chair laid out Interim Charge Number 1 which states, “Monitor the ongoing statewide drought and the performance of state, regional, and local entities in addressing it. Examine the impact of the drought on the state water plan, including an evaluation of how well the state's existing water resources can meet demand, the need for additional funding sources to implement the plan, and the effectiveness of current drought planning and drought management policies. Identify short-term and long-term strategies to help the state better cope with drought and assess any obstacles, including state and federal regulations, to implementation of these strategies.”

 

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

 

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

 

(Representative Lucio III now present.)

 

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

 

(Representative Larson 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 3

 

The chair laid out Interim Charge Number 3 which states, “Evaluate the status of desalination projects in Texas.  Include an evaluation of the regulation of brackish groundwater and whether opportunities exist to facilitate better utilization of this groundwater to meet future needs.”

 

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

 

INTERIM CHARGE NUMBER 4

 

The chair laid out Interim Charge Number 4 which states, “Study ways to enhance incentives for water conservation in agriculture irrigation.”

 

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

 

(Representative King, Tracy O. in chair.)

 

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

 

(Representative Ritter in chair.)

 

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

 

At 5:00 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