The House Committee on State Affairs met March 22 to take up several pieces of legislation. This report covers HB 773 relating to information on projected changes in weather, water availability, and climate variability in strategic plans of certain state agencies.
HB 773 (Johnson, Eric) Relating to information on projected changes in weather, water availability, and climate variability in strategic plans of certain state agencies.
- Requires state climatologist to provide report to LBB on projected changes in weather, water availability, and climate.
- Report would be due every even number year
- Required to include upcoming 5 year projections as well as long term projections for a minimum of 20 years but no more than 50 years
- Requires certain state agencies to use data in their plans to see if projections impact the services the agencies provide
- Want: bill plans to cover a 5-year period. Current strategic plan would consider information from the climatologist.
Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of Sierra Club – For HB 773
- Supports using existing projections for planning purposes
- Rodriguez – does the University of Texas not have a climatologist?
- At UT Austin, we have scientists, but the official climate scientist at Texas A&M University.
Imaad Khan, Policy Analyst at Texas Impact – For HB 773
- Fiscal impact – climate change is having strong impact on faith communities
- Believes bill is about planning ahead
- Those most vulnerable in the community are the most impacted
- Bill would improve Texas’s needs during times of disaster
Ches Blevins, Texas Mining and Reclamation Association – Against HB 773
- Mining industry provides economic boost to the state with a positive environmental footprint
- Concerned that requirements will bring project delays and additional costs with no benefit
Josiah Neeley, R Street Institute – For HB 773
- Bill would allow Texas to properly manage risks
- Highlighting vulnerabilities would shine light on government making less risky decisions for the future
Jay Banner, Self – On HB 773
- Focus on concerns with drought risks
- Discussed report provided to committee of past and future drought trends
- Demand for water in rural areas is and will become significant
Rep. Johnson closes.
- State climatologist already exists and has data
- Zero fiscal note – costs nothing to do this
- Bill is to help agencies be more prepared in planning for natural disasters
- Cook – doesn’t seem like there is much interest. Asked to work with TMRA on fiscal note.
HB 773 left pending