Water Study - Texas Water Resources as a Commodity
Focus: An update of our Water position to consider the competition for water in Texas, including governmental policy, public interest rights, and water resource protection concerns.
Scope:
- Analyze current state regulations which govern the sale or transfer of water rights
- Consider ramifications if Texas were to classify water as a commodity rather than a natural resource
- Explore options such as a state-run water marketing administration
- Assess laws that would be needed for interstate or international water transfers
- Assess the best use of our water (i.e., public interest concerns, environmental factors, effect on third parties, future water requirements)
Study Committee: Mina Fields Johnson (LWV-Amarillo), Chair, Miriam Foshay (LWV-Dallas), Deanna Frisk (LWV-Comal Area), Karen Haschke (LWV-Austin Area), Sandra Heatherley (LWV-Corpus Christi), Tonya Kleuskens (LWV-Amarillo), Mary Vogelson (LWV-Dallas)
- Facts and Issues: Should Water Be a Commodity?
- Consensus Report Form
- Leaders Guide
- Current LWV-TX Water Position
PowerPoint Presentations:
- State Water Plan and Regional Water Planning, Con Mims
- Regional Groundwater Issues-Hill Country to Gulf Coastal Plain, Feather Wilson
- Surface Water Law as administered by San Antonio River Authority, Suzanne Scott
- Groundwater Management in Texas, Greg Ellis
- Legislative Outlook on Water Issues, Mark Taylor