![](https://www.texasdesal.com/wp-content/uploads/TexasDesal_Monthly-Leg-Update_Banner_Mailchimp_600x190_2-2_r150.png)
The conclusion of the first primary run has ushered in the initial set of Interim Hearings in both the House and Senate. That coupled with the first Sunset review hearings promises a busy rest of April and May. There are still several run-offs that need to be concluded (May 24th) but not enough to derail the start of these hearings.
As of today Texas is currently experiencing Severe Drought or worse (per US Drought Monitor). Almost the entire state is at least Abnormally Dry and 53% is at the Extreme Drought level. Unless the state has an extremely wet April/May we will have a good chance of repeating the drought of 2011. How this will impact citizens, industry and ag businesses remains to be seen but it won’t be good. We have not done much to fix the problems identified during the 2011 drought except we have more people. In 2021 Texas grew by approximately 810 people per day or over 310,000 people for the year. That is the equilivant of a new city larger than Plano coming online every year. With all statewide offices, Senate and House seats up for election, now would be a good time to ask these potential future office holders how they might want to address these issues.
The Interim charges in both the House and Senate have been released and the hearings have begun. Water availability, groundwater management (both Senate and House committees), marine desalination rural employment, workforce education and the ever present review of property taxes are all of interest to folks in our industry. We will monitor these hearings and report anything of interest in the future.
We met with the Comptroller senior staff recently to discuss a variety of issues, including taxes and the expected budget surplus. While they were fairly close-mouthed on the exact amount of surplus that is expected, they did reveal that the surplus will be exceptionally large. How decision makers will deal with this influx of surplus funds remains to be seen. I think it is a given that the term “spending like drunken sailors” may be appropriate when all is said and done.
Board Member, Mike Irlbeck, has been good enough to develop a PowerPoint presentation that presents a very comprehensive view of the current state of water in Texas. It is not encouraging. Between our current drought conditions and the inadequacies of the statewide water plan, it would be fair to say that we are heading toward a challenging time in regards to water availability in Texas. Mike and I have begun to offer this presentation to virtually any decision maker or key staff person who is willing to sit for the 45 minutes to listen. The presentation is not necessarily centered on desalination, instead, it is focused on raising awareness of the lack of “realistic” planning that constitutes the statewide water plan. We will report any feedback we get, positive or negative. The upcoming legislative session begins in 247 days (depending on what day you read this). That time period will pass in the blink of an eye. As with any legislative session, this one promises to be unique, maybe even more unique than usual. More to come…
JKF