By Rep. Lucio III, Eddie

House Bill 2031, by Rep. Eddie Lucio III, passed through the House today without opposition. HB 2031 aims to streamline the regulatory process and reduce the time required for marine water desalination projects.

“With this state facing an ongoing drought and population growth, every effort must be made to secure and develop water supplies to meet demand,” Rep. Lucio said. “This bill is not intended to hinder efforts to conserve or develop other surface water supplies. It is intended to explore and expedite the development of all this state's water resources."

Sen. Chuy Hinojosa filed Senate Bill 1738, the senate companion to HB 2031, on marine seawater desalination as well. Rep. Lucio and Sen. Hinojosa have been working together on these pieces of legislation.

“The long-term water needs of this state far exceed the supplies that are available from freshwater sources,” Rep. Lucio said. “It is important that we provide for the state's current and future water needs, and this bill aims to do that.”

Israel and Australia currently have seawater desalination measures in place and rely on this technology for a large portion of their water.