1992

February

TWC Chairman John Hall releases concept paper for management of the Edwards Aquifer.

March

Texas Attorney General Dan Morales letter modifies previous opinion on the Texas Water Commissions authority to regulate ground water.

April

TWC declares the Edwards Aquifer to be an underground river and, as such, is state water subject to TWC regulation. The TWC adopts emergency rules and places a moratorium on new wells. TWC adopts final Edwards Rules to limit pumping, require permits based on historic use, and continue the moratorium on new wells.

September

September 11, 1992 – State court invalidates TWCs declaration of underground river and voids Edwards Rules. The basis of their decision was numerous references to underground water in the EUWD statute.

September 14, 1992 – Texas Attorney General Morales files suit against USFWS and the Interior Department charging the two federal agencies are illegally trying to take control of the Edwards Aquifer and thereby usurp the states sovereignty.

September 15, 1992 – Texas Agricultural Commissioner, Rick Perry, calls for the Attorney General to investigate TWC Chairman John Hall, claiming Hall held clandestine communications with the USFWS regarding aquifer management. Hall calls Perrys comments ridiculous and almost laughable and accuses Perry of trying to wreck progress on any aquifer management solution.

November

November 16, 1992 - Trial begins in U.S. District Court for Sierra Club lawsuit.