Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Friendswood opposes bills to curtail Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District authority
Loading...
Summary
The council unanimously approved a resolution opposing two Texas House bills that would limit the Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District’s groundwater‑pumping regulatory authority, following public comments from a subsidence district representative.
The Friendswood City Council unanimously approved a resolution on May 5 opposing two Texas House bills that would reduce the Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District’s authority to regulate groundwater pumping.
Don Johnson, the Friendswood representative to the Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District, addressed the council during public comment and asked for support for the resolution on the agenda. “Some legislation has been entered in the state legislature, which would, take away a large part of the regulatory authority of the subsidence district,” Johnson said, adding that reduced authority would “make it very difficult for the authority to operate.”
The council’s resolution (agenda item 13f) expresses opposition to House Bill 1643 and House Bill 33818 (as cited on the meeting agenda). Members voted in favor of the resolution; the vote was recorded as unanimous. The council’s action is a formal expression of local opposition and does not directly change state law or the district’s regulatory powers.
Johnson noted the district’s 50‑year history and said Galveston County is “much better off than a lot of places” because of the district’s work. He told the council he planned to travel to Austin in support of a separate commendation the Senate was considering.
