State Lawmaker Introduces Four Bills for New Regulations

New Legislation Aims to Address Water Rights in East Texas

State Rep. Cody Harris, a Republican from Palestine, has introduced four new bills designed to tackle water rights issues in East Texas. These proposals are part of an effort to address what Harris describes as a growing problem across the state.

“They are taking water out from underneath other people, and it’s not only happening in East Texas; this is a statewide problem,” Harris said. The legislation focuses on updating regulations for groundwater usage, which Harris believes is essential for protecting local resources and ensuring equitable access to water.

Earlier this month, Harris, who also serves as the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, held an 11-hour meeting to gather input from industry experts and residents affected by current water regulations. This event highlighted the need for change and provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by communities in the region.

The proposed bills aim to regulate the amount of water that can be pumped from specific areas and give groundwater districts more authority to deny well permits based on usage. Harris has been working closely with Gov. Greg Abbott to include these bills in a special legislative session, but he emphasizes that gaining support from both the House and Senate will be crucial.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Bills

HB 215: This bill would amend the Rule of Capture, which currently allows landowners to pump as much groundwater as they want without liability. Under the new proposal, entities that pump over 25,000 gallons of water per day would face liability if their pumping damages neighboring properties.

HB 216: This measure states that a groundwater conservation district may not approve an application for a well if the total production and export of all wells applied for exceed 5% of the modeled available groundwater for the district. This provision aims to prevent overuse and ensure sustainable management of water resources.

HB 217: This bill provides liability protection for groundwater conservation districts when they deny a permit based on potential long-term damage to the aquifer. It is intended to encourage districts to make decisions that prioritize the health of the aquifer over short-term interests.

HB 218: This legislation requires a two-thirds majority approval from surrounding groundwater conservation districts before an export permit can be issued. Previously, the decision rested with a single district, which could lead to imbalances in water distribution.

Harris emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “I don’t think that any one entity should be able to capture all of the groundwater allotted to an entire aquifer for two whole counties.”

Impact on Water Management

The outcome of these legislative efforts could significantly impact water management and rights in East Texas. If passed, the bills could lead to more transparent and equitable regulations regarding groundwater usage, ensuring that communities have access to the resources they need.

Harris is urging East Texans to reach out to their representatives to express support for the proposed legislation. He believes that public engagement is key to achieving meaningful change in how water is managed and protected in the region.

Contact Information for State Officials

For those interested in supporting the legislation, here are contact details for several state senators and representatives:

State Senators - Bryan Hughes (R) – Mineola - Phone: 512-463-0101 - Email: bryan.hughes@senate.texas.gov

• Bob Hall (R) – Rockwall
• Phone: 512-463-0102

• Email: bob.hall@senate.texas.gov

• Robert Nichols (R) – Jacksonville

• Phone: 512-463-0103

• Email: robert.nichols@senate.texas.gov

• Angela Paxton (R) – Allen

• Phone: 512-463-0108
• Email: angela.paxton@senate.texas.gov

State Representatives - Daniel Alders (R) – Tyler - Phone: 512-463-0584 - Email: daniel.alders@house.texas.gov

• Trent Ashby (R) – Lufkin
• Phone: 512-463-0508

• Email: trent.ashby@house.texas.gov

• Keith Bell (R) – Athens

• Phone: 512-463-0458

• Email: keith.bell@house.texas.gov

• Jay Dean (R) – Longview

• Phone: 512-463-0750

• Email: jay.dean@house.texas.gov

• Cody Harris (R) – Palestine

• Phone: 512-463-0730

• Email: cody.harris@house.texas.gov

• Cole Hefner (R) – Lindale

• Phone: 512-463-0271

• Email: cole.hefner@house.texas.gov

• Brent Money (R) – Greenville

• Phone: 512-463-0880

• Email: brent.money@house.texas.gov

• Joanne Shofner (R) – Nacogdoches

• Phone: 512-463-0592

• Email: joanne.shofner@house.texas.gov

• Gary Vandeaver (R) – New Boston

• Phone: 512-463-0692
• Email: district1.vandeaver@house.texas.gov

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