House Bill 3 Provides Long-Term Protection For Texas River Levels, Ecological Balance Of Texas’ Bays, Estuaries

[Press Release from State Rep. Robert Puente (D-San Antonio), chair of House National Resources Committee]

(Austin, TX) – House Natural Resources Chairman and State Representative Robert Puente (D-San Antonio) filed legislation today in the Texas House that will help protect water levels in Texas rivers and the ecological balance of our bays and estuaries. “The water that flows through our rivers and into our bays is one of our most important natural resources and must be protected for future generations,” Puente said.

“Current water projections point to a strain on our water supply, possibly upsetting the delicate ecological balance in bays and estuaries and impacting public consumption needs, water recreation and coastline fishing economies,” Puente said. “State law does not currently provide long-term basin-by-basin study and protection for our state river levels, and this bill ensures that proposed water permit applications are evaluated for their impact on water levels, the environment and public needs.”

The issue is widely recognized by environmental and water groups across Texas. Greg Rothe, general manager of the San Antonio River Authority and president of the Texas Water Conservation Association (www.twca.org), a water conservation association representing the full spectrum of water users says, “this bill will provide needed certainty for both the environment and our water supply needs.”

Puente said that his legislation will provide a more consistent water management policy and mark a momentous step forward in environmental protection, directing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to adopt environmental flow standards for each river basin and bay in the state and determine the amount of unappropriated water to be set aside to meet flow needs.

According to Puente, the legislation recognizes that each region has unique characteristics and needs, providing a mechanism for local communities to be directly engaged in the decision-making process. Under HB 3, local stakeholder groups would provide input and guidance to the TCEQ prior to the adoption of any standards or set-asides.  The science behind the standards would be developed through local science teams composed of scientists with expertise regarding the particular basin.  A statewide science team would coordinate and ensure consistency in environmental flow activities throughout the state.

House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) supports the effort by Puente to provide long-term protection of Texas rivers, bays and estuaries. “I first carried legislation to address this issue twenty-two years ago and am very glad to see Chairman Puente moving forward with additional protections,” Craddick said. “This is extremely important for our environment, our quality of life and for Texas recreation and fishing industries that depend on water flowing through our state’s rivers. I appreciate the time and effort Chairman Puente has put into this issue over the years and look forward to consideration of this bill by the House.”