Texas HB5341 amends the Water Code to regulate permits for diverting state water from the Gulf of Mexico for desalination and industrial use.

HB5341 modifies the Water Code to affect how the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issues permits for diverting state water from the Gulf of Mexico or its bays for desalination and industrial purposes. The bill allows the commission to deny permits if the diversion point is near sensitive habitats like oyster reefs or seagrass beds. It also mandates the commission to set rules minimizing impingement and entrainment from such diversions.

Texas HB5341 amends the Water Code to regulate permits for diverting state water from the Gulf of Mexico for desalination and industrial use.

HB5341 modifies the Water Code to affect how the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issues permits for diverting state water from the Gulf of Mexico or its bays for desalination and industrial purposes. The bill allows the commission to deny permits if the diversion point is near sensitive habitats like oyster reefs or seagrass beds. It also mandates the commission to set rules minimizing impingement and entrainment from such diversions.