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Texas Currents | Spring 2013
texas currents
Inside
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HOA Landscaping Rules
- We All Need to do Our Part
- Bagging the Bag in Austin
- Mark Your Calendars
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Alliance for Texas Sets 2013 Legislative Agenda
- Other Ways to Get Involved
Download the PDF!
New Report and Legislature Focus on HOA Landscaping Rules
Water on the Home Front
An Analysis of Landscaping Restrictions of Austin Area Homeowner Associations
Get the Report! (pdf)
According to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), municipal demand is the fastest growing sector among all water use categories in the state, projected to increase from 27% of total demand in 2010 to over 38% of total demand by 2060. The TWDB projects that water providers will need nearly $27 billion in state financial assistance to meet this demand — about half of the $53 billion the TWDB says is needed to meet state needs by 2060.
Expand Solar for the PEC!
Help expand the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) solar lease program so even more members can go solar! Click here to tell PEC management that you support more solar for PEC!
Late last year, the PEC created a pilot solar lease program so owner-members can enjoy the financial benefits of roof-top solar if they choose to. The PEC board is now considering creating a community solar program that will allow PEC members to take advantage of solar even if their rooftops are not suitable for on-site panels due to shade or other factors. Participants in a community solar program purchase a share of a solar installation than can be hundreds of miles away, and the energy their share produces is credited to their account.
Tell Governor Perry - Sign SB 198!
Click here to send the Governor a message!
The Texas Legislature has passed SB 198, a landmark bill called for by Clean Water Action. The bill would remove the ability of homeowner associations in Texas to ban drought-resistant landscaping, or xeriscaping. Many or most of Texas' HOAs – estimated to number around 25,000 -- have rules in place that ban xeriscaping in portions of a homeowner's yard that are visible from the street.
Water Conservation
We are working in local communities and at the state level on behalf of sustainable water policies that protect drinking water at its source, preserve wetlands and aquifer recharge Azones, and conserve water for the future. We are working to persuade policy makers to prioritize conservation above expensive new reservoirs and treatment plants—a policy that would also save the energy needed to treat and distribute this water.
Nuclear Power
With the threat of global warming and fossil fuel prices rising, nuclear power is being hailed once again as a solution to future energy needs. In September 2007, NRG Energy filed for a construction and operation license for two new nuclear reactors at the South Texas Project near Bay City, and since then four additional nuclear plants have been proposed.
Towards Sustainable Water Practices
- Clean Water Action is working in local communities, and at the state level, on behalf of sustainable water policies that protect drinking water at its source, preserve wetlands and aquifer recharge zones, and conserve water for the future.