House Committee on Natural Resources - 87th R.S. (2021)

Committee Members
Tracy O. King, Chair Cody Harris, Vice Chair Rhetta Bowers Erin Elizabeth Gamez Kyle Kacal Lyle Larson	Eddie Lucio, III Dennis Paul Four Price Ana-Maria Ramos Armando Walle Terry Wilson
Charges
• Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: SB 1160 87th R.S., relating to the creation of the Gulf Coast Protection District and providing the authority to issue bonds; and SB 2185 87th R.S., relating to restrictions on certain water improvement districts.
• Explore ways in which the state can further support the construction of a coastal barrier system.
• Examine the condition of Texas’ water and flood mitigation infrastructure capabilities and consider future infrastructure needs. Evaluate sustainable funding sources to provide for water project development and infrastructure repair and replacement. Examine and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements that enhance the state’s available water supply and improve the state's ability to desalinate seawater.
• Review the adequacy and efficiency of current mechanisms used to compensate water right holders when the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality temporarily transfers a water right under an emergency authorization. Make appropriate recommendations for the protection of private property rights of water right holders.
• Examine the state’s groundwater management policy and regulatory framework. Include a review of large-scale water transfers and their impact on groundwater resources. Make appropriate recommendations for legislation or state agency action to: promote the achievement of planning goals under Chapter 36, Water Code, including those involving desired future conditions; provide adequate transparency to the permit application process; further the state's groundwater quality protection efforts, including an assessment of risks posed to groundwater by abandoned and deteriorated water wells and orphan oil and gas wells; and promote conservation and waste prevention.
• Monitor newly adopted and proposed federal regulations that could impact activities that fall within the jurisdiction of the committee, including regulations under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of waters of the United States.
Note: Representative Gamez appointed 3/23/2022.

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