Summary of Meeting with Rodriguez Environmental Committee

I will say more about yesterday's meeting of Senator Rodriguez's Environmental Committee with Ed Archuleta and Ed Escudero in an e-letter to go out in just a bit. In the meantime, here are some notes taken by Judy Ackerman, a member of that Committee. They have not been checked for accuracy and Judy admits that they may reflect her biases. Nevertheless, it seems that she covers much of what was said. I have not corrected typos:

"Ed Escudero (EE) started with an overview of what the PSB does for the best interest of El Pasoans managing water and land.  EE explained the complicated bond process.  He praised PSB staff, who are experts with extensive experience in water, management and finance issue.   Audits come back with no errors.  PSB members have studied issues for years.  Board members are diverse, dedicated, work hard and do their homework.   They do not always agree, but respect each other and have learned to work together.  The Blue Ribbon committee cannot gain needrd knowledge in a short time.  City Council suggested that BSP look to Albuquerque and San Antonio for best practices, but at the same time those cities were looking to El Paso as the leader in these issues.    EE did not realize that PSB needs to sing its own praises to make City Council aware of El Paso’s supremacy in water management.

"Ed Archuleta (EA) praised Environmental groups getting their act together.  When EA came to EPWU, it was easy to chew up the land without objection.  EA praised Susie Azar for leading on water conservation and impact fees and praised former Mayor Chew for his comments on not building too fast – Mayor Chew had no ulterior motive for his comments.

"PSB keeps the city staff informed and the Mayor sits on the BPS.  PSB briefs each new City Council member one on one.  PSB is willing to brief City Council verbally or in writing as often as needed.

"In 2012 there was an MOU between the City and PSB on the process of selling City land.  Plots less than 25 acres follow a process.  Lots of more than 25 acres must follow the City’s Master Plan and comply with all city codes, plans and policies.

"We need a more clear definition of when land is “inexpedient”.  The Blue Ribbon committee appears to want to take the decision process of when to sell land away from the PSB so that the city can capture some profit from the sale.  This violates the whole concept of the creation of the PSB – removing politics from land sales.  If the City takes money for land sales away from the PSB, then the price of water will go up – a backdoor or hidden tax.

"By law, the PSB can only own 3,000 acres in the lower valley and they are at that limit.  That is land with irrigation water rights.

"PSB spends about $50 mil / yr.

"Westway Colonia was a success.

"Dr. Bill Hutchison, former EPWU Water Resources Manager, will speak at the PSB meeting in Sep.  He is the expert and might speak at other venues.

"PSB is currently using a new USGS model that took five years to develop.  

"Impact fees are a step in the right direction, but not sufficient.  The City still subsidizes development at city taxpayer’s expense.   By TX law, water rights cannot be included in the impact fees.

"PSB is currently paying $35 / acre foot for brackish water from Bliss and $280 / acre foot for river water (paid to the irrigation district).  PSB could take more water from the river.  Desalination is expensive.  We can get more water, but it will cost more.

"Wildwood Canyon was a success.

"PSB had success in reducing the number of small independent water utilities in the area.

"PSB works with REDCo on businesses that want to more to El Paso.  They need to NOT waste water.  The jean factories used too much water.

"City Council members who say, “Just drill more wells,” clearly are ignorant of water issues and should NOT be in charge of making any decisions on land or water.

"Don’t rush to sell land if you want to get the most value from it.  The land value can go up dramatically based on development of private land.

"Blue Ribbon committee should go away.  In the meantime, the public should attend Blue Ribbon committee meetings.

"Richard T.  – There are many Environmental organizations.  How can we help?

"Judy Ackerman – Praised for EA and PSB on their visionary work on water conservation leading to national and worldwide recognition by educating the public.  Can the PSB do similar education on the link between land, water, and population issues?  Answer:  Yes.  Christina Montoya is working on education issues now.  How can local Environmental Organizations help?  Answer:  Get the word out with newsletters, etc. 

"Rick Bonart – focus on NE and NW master plans.

"EA –  We need to think regionally El Paso County, Doña Anna Co NM, 6 counties in W. TX.  We need to work on not just Smart Growth, but Smart Buildings that are water and energy efficient.  We need revised laws on solar power.  The Desalination plant wants to use solar energy but is currently prohibited. 

"Ceci suggested the PSB should bring their legislative issues to Senator Rodriguez. 

"Sherry Bonart pointed out that putting grass in park ponds is a waste of water – stop it.  PSB members only get paid $20 / month."