New Report released by GEAA’s Policy Director, Rachel Hanes. May 2024.
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance is excited to release a report on the impacts of Senate Bill 2038 (2023) on land use, planning, and water supplies in Central Texas. Since the law’s implementation, hundreds of petitions for release from extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs), totaling thousands of acres, have been submitted to and approved by cities throughout Central Texas. Released areas will be subject only to county and state regulations, which are much less protective than city regulations. These releases could put much of the land over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and throughout the environmentally sensitive Edwards and Trinity Aquifer watersheds at risk of environmental degradation, threatening the health, safety, and quality of life of Texans.
The report provides an overview of Senate Bill 2038 and ETJ regulations; a snapshot of the impacts in Central Texas; an overview of the implications for planning, land management, and water supplies in the region; and policy recommendations.
GEAA recommends the Texas Legislature reevaluate Senate Bill 2038. At a minimum, the law should be amended to ensure land overlying aquifer recharge and contributing zones must still adhere to protective municipal regulations, such as impervious cover limits and water quality protection ordinances. Regardless of whether the law is amended, the legislature should grant expanded authority related to water quality protection and land use to counties, at least in the Trinity and Edwards aquifer region, and/or consider explicitly directing the Edwards Aquifer Authority to adopt and enforce impervious cover regulations for the Edwards Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zones within the authority’s boundaries.
One Response
Sure! Here’s a relevant comment for a review of the impacts of Senate Bill 2038 on land use and water supplies in Central Texas as of May 2024:
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**Comment on the Review of the Impacts of Senate Bill 2038 on Land Use and Water Supplies in Central Texas – May 2024**
Dear [Reviewer/Researcher Name],
Thank you for the comprehensive review of Senate Bill 2038 and its impacts on land use and water supplies in Central Texas. The analysis provides valuable insights into the legislative changes and their implications for our region. Here are some specific comments and questions regarding the findings:
1. **Zoning and Land Use Changes:**
– The review highlights significant alterations in zoning regulations introduced by Senate Bill 2038. Could you elaborate on how these changes are expected to influence urban sprawl and the development of rural areas in Central Texas?
2. **Water Resource Management:**
– With the new water conservation mandates in the bill, what are the projected long-term effects on the region’s water supplies? Are there any specific measures outlined in the bill to address drought resilience and water recycling?
3. **Environmental Impact:**
– The review mentions potential environmental benefits and challenges due to the bill’s implementation. Can you provide more details on the anticipated impact on local ecosystems, particularly in terms of habitat conservation and biodiversity?
4. **Agricultural Land Use:**
– How does Senate Bill 2038 affect agricultural land use in Central Texas? Are there provisions to support sustainable farming practices and protect agricultural lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses?
5. **Community and Economic Effects:**
– What are the expected social and economic impacts on local communities, especially in terms of housing affordability and access to resources? Does the bill include any measures to mitigate negative economic impacts on vulnerable populations?
6. **Implementation and Compliance:**
– What challenges do you foresee in the implementation and enforcement of Senate Bill 2038? Are there any support mechanisms or funding provided to assist local governments and stakeholders in complying with the new regulations?
7. **Stakeholder Involvement:**
– How have various stakeholders, including local governments, environmental groups, and the agricultural sector, responded to the bill? Were their concerns adequately addressed during the legislative process?
8. **Future Research and Monitoring:**
– Given the evolving nature of land use and water supply issues, what recommendations do you have for future research and ongoing monitoring to assess the bill’s effectiveness and address emerging challenges?
Your review provides a solid foundation for understanding the initial impacts of Senate Bill 2038. Addressing these questions can further clarify its long-term implications and help stakeholders navigate the changes effectively.
Thank you for your thorough analysis and for contributing to the informed discussion on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
[Organization/Department Name]
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This comment aims to engage the reviewer with specific questions and feedback, encouraging a deeper examination of the impacts of Senate Bill 2038 on land use and water supplies in Central Texas.