SAWDF Update! October 19, 2016.
We appreciate Board member George Witta and Elgin landowner David Lanford traveling to Austin on October 13 to appear at the House Natural Resources Committee interim hearing on behalf of SAWDF. They answered the call to represent our central Texas communities and ask the Committee to be aware of the unprecedented pressure to produce and export water from the Simsboro formation of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.
We also appreciate Judith McGeary's appearance before the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee's interim hearing on October 13, on behalf of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance.
It is also important to note, as the 2017 legislative session is set to convene in January, that Bastrop and Lee Counties' representative to the Texas House, John Cyrier (R-Lockhart), is currently a member of the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee. His Capitol office phone number is 512-463-0682.
Go to www.legis.state.tx.us for information on the Texas Legislature.
Greetings!
Do you have views about Texas' water resources that you'd like to share with state legislators? Now is your chance. Two committees are each holding interim hearings next Thursday, October 13, providing the perfect opportunity to share your experience and beliefs.
HEARING ONE: The House Agriculture Committee hearing will meet Thursday morning, starting at 9 am, to hear testimony on the following topic:
"Determine the sources of water used by Texans in the production of food and fiber, and examine the current water delivery methods and water conservation goals for agricultural use. Evaluate whether there are more efficient and effective water-usage management practices that could be employed in the agricultural industry, and determine the impact of crop insurance requirements on producers."
HEARING TWO: The House Natural Resources Committee will start its hearing at 1 pm and cover several topics, the most important of which is to "examine the regional and state water planning process."
The committee will focus on multiple aspects of the water plan, including the "interaction between the planning process and groundwater management" and "whether the 'drought of record' remains the appropriate benchmark for planning."
Have you tried to be involved with the planning process and run into barriers? Looked at the State Water Plan and realized it doesn't represent your interests? Or are you concerned about the long-term sustainability of the aquifer in your region and the need to protect it given the increasing severity and frequency of droughts? Come make your voice heard!
After the interim hearings are complete, each committee creates a report that is shared with all the legislators before the next session starts. These reports often form the basis for legislative proposals, so it can be very helpful to get our views included in the reports.
WHAT: Agriculture Committee Hearing
TIME & DATE: 9 am, Thursday, October 13, 2016
PLACE: Room E2.010 in the Capitol Extension
WHAT: Natural Resources Committee hearing
TIME & DATE: 1 pm, Thursday, October 13, 2016
PLACE: Room E2.010 in the Capitol Extension
MAPS of the Capitol
SIGNING IN: The House uses an electronic witness registration system on kiosks located throughout the Capitol Extension. Take the elevator down to Floor E2, and walk down the main hallway about halfway. Turn down one of the side hallways, then turn again so that you are going parallel to the main hallway. The kiosks are in the alcoves, where there used to be pay phones.
MORE INFORMATION
Ag Committee hearing notice
Natural Resources hearing notice
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
P.O. Box 809, Cameron, TX 76520
www.farmandranchfreedom.org
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) is a national organization that supports independent family farmers and protects a healthy and productive food supply for American consumers. FARFA promotes common sense policies for local, diversified agricultural systems.
FARFA is an advocate for independent farmers, ranchers, livestock owners, and homesteaders, as well as the consumers who support them. By protecting independent producers, we protect the safety, quality, and availability of our food.
The Simsboro Aquifer Water Defense Fund participates in coalitions of like-minded groups, including FARFA, on water issues facing central Texas.
~~~~~Contact SAWDF at info@simsborowaterdefensefund.org if you need more information on the hearings and to let us know you will attend.~~~~