Rep. Harris granted committee discussion over groundwater bill

UPDATE: During Wednesday’s special session house meeting, State Rep. Cody Harris, of Palestine, said he refuses to concur with the Texas Senate and is requested an appointment of conference committee. Harris’ request was granted.

AUSTIN — The Texas Senate passed House Bill 27 on Tuesday, allowing an East Texas groundwater study, but eliminating 16-month pause on drilling permits. On Aug. 25, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 27, written by State Rep. Cody Harris. HB 27 requires the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to conduct a study on the effects of drilling permits on the Neches and Trinity Valley Groundwater District.

HB 27 also pushed for lawmakers to allow a 16-month pause on approving drilling permits while the TWDB conducted its study. The bill made its way to the Texas Senate and received a 26-1 vote in favor of its cause, but with a twist.

The Texas Senate eliminated the option of putting a 16-month pause on the drilling permits, and now the Texas House would need to call for negotiations before the special session adjourns on Sept. 13. Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) explained the thought process behind the change in HB 27.

“The science we have today suggests these impacts could be substantial, but the science is just not sufficient to guide such important decisions,” Nichols said.

Harris released a statement expressing his disappointment in the Senate’s decision to change HB 27’s purpose.

“Stripping the moratorium from HB 27 guts the intended purpose of the bill,” Harris said. “I will not lay down and accept this watered down change.”

Currently, 13 bills have been sent to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk during the special session. If the session ends tonight without the Texas House and Senate agreeing on the same terms for the bill, then HB 27 would not pass at all.