Last week, State Representative Bill Callegari (District 132, Katy) spoke before two separate panels at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s annual policy orientation for the Texas Legislature. On Thursday, Representative Callegari joined Texas Comptroller Susan Combs in a panel discussion regarding the future of Texas’ water policy.
Noting that the state’s water demands will increase by 27 percent over the next 50 years as water supplies will shrink by 18 percent, Representative Callegari emphasized the need to develop new water resources, including reservoirs and desalination projects, to meet future needs. His speech also pointed towards other threats to Texas’ future water interests.
“Looking forward we need to defend our state’s water policy from federal interference, and control by the courts,” said Representative Callegari. The Representative discussed several measures currently being discussed in Congress and by the White House that would expand federal control over Texas’ waters. He also highlighted the need to avoid costly litigation.
