Yesterday I testified before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources about two important water bills. The committee hearing was a great opportunity to participate in our representative form of government, and it drove home the fact that public input is crucial to keeping our government in check so the individual and property rights of the people are not supplanted by government regulation.
Senate Bill 332 by Chairman Troy Fraser (Horseshoe Bay) and Senate Bill 667 by Chairman Robert Duncan (Lubbock) were filed in response to numerous groundwater rights lawsuits - one of which is currently pending before the Supreme Court of Texas. The bills offer differing perspectives and help encourage public dialogue about the management of our water resources – an issue that impacts every Texan.
I commend and appreciate the leadership Chairman Fraser and Chairman Duncan have shown in filing these bills and leading the public discussion, and most importantly, I thank the many people who took time from their work and families to testify on the bills and engage in the legislative process.
Without a doubt, the discussion on water will continue, and yesterday’s hearing set the tone – leadership by our elected representatives, thoughtful comments by stakeholders and a general agreement that Texas’ policy must be fair and equitable for all our water users.
It was a good day to be a Texan and witness elected leaders who truly listen to the people of our state.
Showing posts with label water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Future of Texas Depends on Careful Consideration
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with the Texas Farm Bureau to talk about the years ahead and some of the critical issues and challenges facing the Department of Agriculture and the state of Texas.
Among the topics we covered, the availability of water is the single greatest issue facing agriculture. We need to see groundwater used effectively while also safeguarding the rights of landowners. A debate that balances the rights of property owners is critical to the future investment in our state.
Likewise, eminent domain is another issue that requires careful consideration. Owning property and passing it on to our children is a rich part of our Texas heritage. Reliable roadways, hospitals and other infrastructure are certainly necessary to our future prosperity, and it is equally imperative that landowners be justly compensated for relinquishing their property on behalf of the public good.
On the issue of redistricting, I strongly encourage our public officials to come together in order to create public policy that keeps both urban and rural Texas moving forward. Only tending to your own backyard does not create a better community. Each of us has a responsibility to be a good neighbor.
Again, my thanks to the Texas Farm Bureau for inviting me to discuss these issues and I look forward to our partnership growing as we work together to help all Texans.
You can view our full discussion here:
Among the topics we covered, the availability of water is the single greatest issue facing agriculture. We need to see groundwater used effectively while also safeguarding the rights of landowners. A debate that balances the rights of property owners is critical to the future investment in our state.
Likewise, eminent domain is another issue that requires careful consideration. Owning property and passing it on to our children is a rich part of our Texas heritage. Reliable roadways, hospitals and other infrastructure are certainly necessary to our future prosperity, and it is equally imperative that landowners be justly compensated for relinquishing their property on behalf of the public good.
On the issue of redistricting, I strongly encourage our public officials to come together in order to create public policy that keeps both urban and rural Texas moving forward. Only tending to your own backyard does not create a better community. Each of us has a responsibility to be a good neighbor.
Again, my thanks to the Texas Farm Bureau for inviting me to discuss these issues and I look forward to our partnership growing as we work together to help all Texans.
You can view our full discussion here:
Friday, January 14, 2011
Water Wars Could Heat to a Boil
While headlines during this legislative session will be filled with budget woes and redistricting tales, a strong undercurrent that may not be as visible is the flowing dialogue over water.
A case currently pending before the Texas Supreme Court, Edwards Aquifer Authority and the State of Texas v. Burrell Day and Joel McDaniel, has us all neck-deep in a quandary. The source of concern is the petitioners’ assertion that landowners have no right to access the water beneath their property. Believe me, this is not a debate about the cup being half-empty or half-full. This is a major issue that not only could erode a landowner’s long-established rights, but also could decrease his or her property values and undermine such investments as irrigation pumps and water wells.
Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, recently filed Senate Bill 332, which if passed, would clearly state that landowners have a vested ownership interest in the groundwater beneath their property. Many in agriculture and other landowner groups strongly support this clarification and have established www.GroundWaterOwnership.com to help organize and focus their mission.
Recently, however, the Lower Colorado Regional Water Planning Group (LCRWPG) and some groundwater conservation districts from across the state adopted a resolution that takes a different approach. This group says landowners should have a protected right to water only after it is pumped. The LCRWPG resolution argues that allowing landowners to access, or pump, the water beneath their property makes it difficult for groundwater conservation districts to manage water supplies in our aquifers, and will make districts vulnerable to lawsuits from disgruntled landowners.
We need to remember that no one, and I mean know one, has more of a vested interest in protecting our natural resources than farmers and ranchers. They know they have to take care of the land for it to be productive enough to supply the necessary items to feed and clothe our world. So while I strongly support local management of ground water resources, I also strongly believe a landowner should have a recognized interest in the water beneath his/her property. Otherwise, what would keep an outside entity from taking it without consideration of the impact to the landowner? Surely, we can find common ground and all keep our heads above water.
I look forward to the hearings on Sen. Fraser’s bill. Put your life jacket on because this water ride is likely to be rough.
A case currently pending before the Texas Supreme Court, Edwards Aquifer Authority and the State of Texas v. Burrell Day and Joel McDaniel, has us all neck-deep in a quandary. The source of concern is the petitioners’ assertion that landowners have no right to access the water beneath their property. Believe me, this is not a debate about the cup being half-empty or half-full. This is a major issue that not only could erode a landowner’s long-established rights, but also could decrease his or her property values and undermine such investments as irrigation pumps and water wells.
Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, recently filed Senate Bill 332, which if passed, would clearly state that landowners have a vested ownership interest in the groundwater beneath their property. Many in agriculture and other landowner groups strongly support this clarification and have established www.GroundWaterOwnership.com to help organize and focus their mission.
Recently, however, the Lower Colorado Regional Water Planning Group (LCRWPG) and some groundwater conservation districts from across the state adopted a resolution that takes a different approach. This group says landowners should have a protected right to water only after it is pumped. The LCRWPG resolution argues that allowing landowners to access, or pump, the water beneath their property makes it difficult for groundwater conservation districts to manage water supplies in our aquifers, and will make districts vulnerable to lawsuits from disgruntled landowners.
We need to remember that no one, and I mean know one, has more of a vested interest in protecting our natural resources than farmers and ranchers. They know they have to take care of the land for it to be productive enough to supply the necessary items to feed and clothe our world. So while I strongly support local management of ground water resources, I also strongly believe a landowner should have a recognized interest in the water beneath his/her property. Otherwise, what would keep an outside entity from taking it without consideration of the impact to the landowner? Surely, we can find common ground and all keep our heads above water.
I look forward to the hearings on Sen. Fraser’s bill. Put your life jacket on because this water ride is likely to be rough.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Whose water is it???
The Washington Times has an article today explaining the far-reaching impact of pending federal legislation to take control of any type of water and give it directly to the federal government. Now, just because a continued expansion of national powers and an ongoing dilution of state’s rights and individual freedoms seems to be the norm these days, no one – and especially no Texan – needs to let their guard down for one minute.
It is essential we take every opportunity to remind those in Congress to read the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Actually, they need to do more than read it; they need to adhere to the pledge they made when they laid down a hand on the Bible, raised their right hand and promised to uphold the Constitution.
It is essential we take every opportunity to remind those in Congress to read the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Actually, they need to do more than read it; they need to adhere to the pledge they made when they laid down a hand on the Bible, raised their right hand and promised to uphold the Constitution.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Commentary: Sharing water and responsibilities
A commentary I wrote on Texas' serious water issues appears in today's Austin American-Statesman. It is critical that we strike the right balance when dealing with the distribution of water. Please take some time to read the commentary and pass it along to others. Thank you.
Staples: Sharing water and responsibilities
Austin American Statesman
Monday, November 23, 2009
When I first began serving as a state representative, I remember House Speaker Pete Laney beginning his speech on opening day by saying, "One hundred years ago, Texans were carrying guns and fighting over water. Not much has changed."
I hope Texans never give up their fighting spirit, but competing over water is a battle we must move beyond. The drought of 2008-2009 has brought home some tough realities for all Texans and an even tougher debate about how to allocate available water supplies.
I appreciate the Lower Colorado River Authority's recent decision to honor an existing contract with Texas rice farmers that will supply water for their first crop. At issue is the availability of water for a much-needed second crop to help increase an already limited supply of rice. Much of the rice Texans find in grocery stores is grown right here in the Lone Star State. In fact, a recent report shows the rice grown in the three counties that receive LCRA water has an annual economic impact of $355 million for the Texas economy and is responsible for 2,590 jobs.
All water managers, suppliers, planners and strategists must be careful to realize this is not a clear-cut fight between opposing parties in need of water. We cannot simply grapple over what we have. Each has a responsibility to extend the reach of existing resources and develop new and reliable sources of water.
Yes, municipalities need water. Yes, industry needs water. Yes, our ecological systems and residents need water. But we also need our farmers to have water. If affordable options for water are not provided to our farmers, it is likely Texans will no longer have affordable and safe food supplies.
As we contemplate water strategies, water needs and water allocations, it is important to keep in mind the lack of water and who gets cut off is not just a farmer's problem — it's a Texas problem.
Conservation practices, more drought-tolerant seed varieties, technology and more efficient watering systems are all a part of a farmer's proper water management. Farmers have made tremendous strides in the last few years alone, and more steps are being taken to preserve water resources.
Whether we stop and think about it daily or not, the reality is water starts and ends with the land and the landowner. We must approach this water debate not from a winner's and loser's perspective, but from a Texas perspective. Otherwise, we focus too much on the problems and not enough on the solutions.
Staples: Sharing water and responsibilities
Austin American Statesman
Monday, November 23, 2009
When I first began serving as a state representative, I remember House Speaker Pete Laney beginning his speech on opening day by saying, "One hundred years ago, Texans were carrying guns and fighting over water. Not much has changed."
I hope Texans never give up their fighting spirit, but competing over water is a battle we must move beyond. The drought of 2008-2009 has brought home some tough realities for all Texans and an even tougher debate about how to allocate available water supplies.
I appreciate the Lower Colorado River Authority's recent decision to honor an existing contract with Texas rice farmers that will supply water for their first crop. At issue is the availability of water for a much-needed second crop to help increase an already limited supply of rice. Much of the rice Texans find in grocery stores is grown right here in the Lone Star State. In fact, a recent report shows the rice grown in the three counties that receive LCRA water has an annual economic impact of $355 million for the Texas economy and is responsible for 2,590 jobs.
All water managers, suppliers, planners and strategists must be careful to realize this is not a clear-cut fight between opposing parties in need of water. We cannot simply grapple over what we have. Each has a responsibility to extend the reach of existing resources and develop new and reliable sources of water.
Yes, municipalities need water. Yes, industry needs water. Yes, our ecological systems and residents need water. But we also need our farmers to have water. If affordable options for water are not provided to our farmers, it is likely Texans will no longer have affordable and safe food supplies.
As we contemplate water strategies, water needs and water allocations, it is important to keep in mind the lack of water and who gets cut off is not just a farmer's problem — it's a Texas problem.
Conservation practices, more drought-tolerant seed varieties, technology and more efficient watering systems are all a part of a farmer's proper water management. Farmers have made tremendous strides in the last few years alone, and more steps are being taken to preserve water resources.
Whether we stop and think about it daily or not, the reality is water starts and ends with the land and the landowner. We must approach this water debate not from a winner's and loser's perspective, but from a Texas perspective. Otherwise, we focus too much on the problems and not enough on the solutions.
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