Since the passage of the landmark legislation SB 1 in 1997, river authorities, municipalities, and water utilities have grappled with plans to increase available water supply, urgently needed by our growing population. Legislative clarification of key sections of the Texas Water Code are needed to implement projects to increase water supply.
Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.
Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...