Save Our Springs Alliance

In 2011, environmental writer Paul Robbins released a report on the many problems with Austin's water conservation program entitled "Read It and Leak."  He has just released an update, which can be found here:  Water Conservation Report

Unfortunately, most of the problems identified two years ago are still occurring.  These include overstated savings, under-performing programs, and underspent budgets.  The report identified 20 specific corrective actions that should be taken.  This report was partially funded by the SOS Alliance.

As previously reported, State Rep. Paul Workman of western Travis County has led the charge to gut local control over land use and watershed protection. Thankfully, most of these efforts have been stymied. However, his HB 3088 is still alive. It would grant developers the right to sue cities for damages whenever a city refuses a developer request to be grandfathered to older, weaker development rules. The current law only allows suits for injunctive, non-monetary relief.

Just when our most vulnerable Hill Country water supplies need more protection, not less, a few Austin area state representatives have sponsored legislation that would lead to more pollution and overpumping – while also forcing existing water ratepayers to bankroll boondoggle water projects.

State Rep. Paul Workman of western Travis County has led the charge, along with State Rep. Jason Isaac, representing Hays and Blanco counties.   If either of these gentlemen represent you, we need your help calling and writing them and educating all of your friends, family and the media on what they are doing. Once exposed, Reps. Workman and Isaac will have no choice but to drop or amend their legislation to protect our water, not ruin it.

Starting now and thru Monday, if you live in western Travis County, write to your State Representative, Paul Workman, and tell him to withdraw his House Bill 3087 as a terrible attack on local control, the Edwards Aquifer, and Hill Country watershed protection. The bill is set to be heard by the House Land & Resource Management Committee at 2:00 p.m. on Monday. If passed, the bill would prohibit cities from limiting development to less than 50 percent impervious cover without paying the landowner for any reduced development potential. Cities all over Texas, through zoning and watershed protection rules, regularly limit development to much lower levels as a way to manage growth and protect vulnerable watersheds.