TSCRA testifies about brackish water before committee in Austin

TSCRA Director Joseph Fitzsimons, San Antonio, was in Austin at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing this week to voice concerns on House Bill 30, which attempts to designate a permitting system for brackish groundwater that is separate from fresh groundwater. While TSCRA and landowners support the development of brackish water, which is generally not potable, we believe creating a separate permitting system would complicate groundwater ownership rights that are already in place. Fitzsimons told committee members that the bill would infringe on landowners’ private property rights by taking away their right to due process. Additionally, he stressed the importance of providing sound science on development of brackish water before creating these management zones. TSCRA plans to remain engaged in this issue and will do whatever it takes to secure landowners’ constitutionally protected rights to the water beneath their property. Click here to read text of the bill…