C C A T E X A S
“Leading the charge to ensure freshwater inflow
for our coastal bays and estuaries”
• Senate Bill 1 – CCA Texas successfully lobbied for the introduction and passage of Senate Bill 1 in the 75th Texas Legislature, putting Texas’ water management plan into action.
• Senate Bill 2 – In an attempt to aid resource-friendly water utilization, CCA Texas worked (unfortunately, unsuccessfully) to have instream flows listed as an appropriate subject for a permit in the passage of SB-2 in the 76th Texas Legislature. But, this effort helped bring this issue into the regional planning process and to the attention of the coastal public.
• HB 1629 – CCA Texas successfully lobbied to get conservation-sensitive language regarding the LCRA/SAWS water project inserted in this bill.
• CCA Texas Water-Issues Committee – CCA Texas created a Water –Issues Committee to directly address current and pending water-related issues. Also, CCA Texas retained the expert help of attorney Robin Melvin (in 2001) and hydrologist Dr. Doug Shaw (in 2002).
• LCRA/SAWS – CCA Texas has participated in the planning process of the lower Colorado river project from 2002 to present, acting on behalf of coastal bays and estuaries. The focus has been to specify steps that are needed to be included in the plan to monitor the impact of the project on the resource and correct any adverse impact.
• Joint Legislative Committee on Water – In 2002, Water Sub-Committee Chair Ben Vaughan gave testimony regarding the need for reservation and preservation of freshwater inflows for coastal estuaries.
• GBRA-Lower Guadalupe River Diversion Project – CCA Texas has opposed the Lower Guadalupe River Diversion Project, from 2001 to present, until it is established that its impact will be benign to coastal bays.
• San Marcus River Foundation – In January of 2003, CCA Texas representatives speak on behalf of the SMRF permit before a joint press conference in Victoria Texas.
• San Marcos River Foundation – In early 2003, CCA Texas filed an Amicus Brief to support granting a SMRF application for a permit to appropriate water for the benefit of San Antonio Bay.
• Carancahua Bay – In January of 2003, CCA Texas opposed an effluent discharge permit that could allow potentially harmful outflow into a sensitive marsh area. CCA Texas calls for a contested case hearing on the permit.
• 78th Texas Legislature – CCA Texas helps introduction of SB1690, sponsored by Sen. Mario Gallegos, and House companion HB 2854, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Farrar, to secure unused water rights for the benefit of coastal bays and estuaries, and to make interbasin transfer of water feasible.
• Study Commission - CCA Texas water sub-committee member Dr. Ben Vaughan IV named to the 2004 Study Commission on Water for Environmental Flows by House Speaker Tom Craddick.
• Carancahua Bay - In fall of 2003, after CCA Texas’ legal efforts, Carancahua Bay discharge permit withdrawn.
• STP Nuclear Operating Company Water Permit - CCA Texas files a request for a contested case hearing against STP Nuclear Operating Company regarding a potential environmentally harmful request to appropriate water from the Colorado river.
MORE TO COME…
