Hays Residents For Land and Water Protection (HRFLWP) was founded in June of 2021 by a group of neighbors concerned about the impacts of a proposed subdivision over the Barton Springs portion of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone (EARZ). What began as conversations in living rooms more than five years ago has expanded to a group of supporters across Central Texas who share the common goal to protect the recharge zone that provides our drinking water.
We have partnered with other nonprofits, landowners, businesses, governmental leaders, and communities to ensure the protection of the large swath of land across Hays County that is the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Educating landowners and government leaders so they can understand the importance of the Edwards aquifer and its recharge zone is a vital part of our mission. As we continue to add more supporters, spreading this knowledge will help ensure we have drinking water for future generations.
As extreme growth continues in Hays County, it is extremely important that we work earnestly to protect our land and water. The developers are not focused on protecting these resources so residents must speak out against the irresponsible growth patterns to prevent destruction of our beautiful native landscape and ensure the protection of the critical natural infrastructure of our aquifers and the essential resource of water they provide.
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We are all volunteers–neighbors helping protect the land and water around us. We welcome new volunteers to join us in this journey. If you would like to help, please fill out the form at the bottom of the contact page.
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There are times when we need residents to speak up for our land and water. This would include comments to the TCEQ, Hays County Commissioners, local City Council Members or Committee Members. Be sure you have signed up for our newsletter to stay informed.
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Although we are volunteer run, your financial support gives us the opportunity to utilize outside resources. Your donations help to cover the costs of attorneys who help us oppose Hays Commons and experts who can study and testify about the environmental sensitivity of the land. Please consider a donation to help us in this endeavor.
Current News/Action Needed
Do you wish the county Commissioners had more authority regarding what can be built in the unincorporated areas of the county?
Thanks to the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance for this information! Please continue reading and thanks so much to all who take a minute to send emails.
During the many hearings on data centers held by the legislature this year, scores of county officials have testified that they need additional authority to manage the build-out of data centers in unincorporated areas of counties. In Texas, counties typically don’t have the power to block development. Because of this lack of authority, a majority of the hundreds of data centers planned for the state are set to be built in unincorporated areas.
As reported in the Texas Tribune, during Wednesdays’ hearing, committee Chair Representative Ken “King expressed some trepidation that giving counties more authority over data center projects could result in overriding private citizens’ rights. “I hear a lot about local control and giving the counties or the local elected officials more control over this, but a lot of the ideas that are proposed to me kind of erode private property rights,” King said.”
So now these private property owners are frustrated that data centers, quarries, and other land uses can be built right next door, in residential neighborhoods, and the county does not have the authority to regulate it. This brings noise, light pollution, air pollution, heavy truck traffic threatening the health, safety, and property values of all who live nearby.
In essence, the State of Texas has ignored the property rights of individual citizens who live in unincorporated areas in favor of protecting the property rights of industry and for profit land developers.
If the State Legislature will not grant the county zoning authority, they should at least find a way to allow counties to prohibit incompatible land uses. We need to let them know this is important to us by contacting the State legislature. They need to hear from you how important this is! You can start by contacting:
Chair, Rep. Ken King (512) 463-0736 / [email protected]
Vice Chair Rep. Ana Hernandez
Members of the House State Affairs Committee:
Rep. Rafael Anchía
Rep. Drew Darby
Rep. Yvonne Davis
Rep. Charlie Geren
Rep. Ryan Guillen
Rep. Lacey Hull
Rep. John W. McQueeney
Rep. Will Metcalf
Rep. Dade Phelan
Rep. Richard Peña Raymond
Rep. John T. Smithee
Rep. Senfronia Thompson
Rep. Chris Turner