Legislative Change

 

"The Legislature tends to lag behind people's needs, and they respond to constituents' concerns...it is inevitable we need to manage a finite resource in a slightly different way."

Tom Mason, General Manager LCRA
February 28, 2008

None of the following was touched by the 2009 State Legislature.

CONSERVATION:

       1.Strengthen and uphold the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) goal of 140    
gallons per person per day (GPCD).
  
        2. Make State low interest loans available to cities for reuse infrastructures.
  
        3. Stiffen conservation plans both of the State and the LCRA. (LCRA has the ability to mandate water conservation changes in their water contracts already in existence.)
 

TRUE STATE WATER PLANNING:

  1. Cities currently tell the State where they want to get their water. The State needs to take control of its water. A State organization already in existence could be strengthened to research the city water requests, find the best source and require conjunctive use of water.
  2. Desalination should be encouraged.
  3. Water planning should be flexible and easily changed. 5 year plans are not enough.
  4. Much of the city water planning and estimates are done by engineering firms that stand to profit from projects. All estimates should be done by neutral, independent firms.

LOBBYING:

    1.State Agencies canot lobby.  Why should River Authorities?


AQUIFER WATER:

  1. Review the "Rule of Capture". All counties should be required to be in Ground Water Conservation Districts and Ground Water Management Areas.

ENABLING ACT:

  1. Review amendments to the LCRA Enabling Act.

DELTA  Contact us at info@draininglaketravis.org