During the virtual Texas Water Laws and Regulations Seminar, Austin partner Leonard H. Dougal shared current issues and permitting insights related to Texas surface water rights. Presented by HalfMoon Education, Inc., the seminar included an overview of Texas groundwater rights, an update on PFAs and other contaminants, water project development, water utility regulation, and state and regional water management and planning.
Held on September 21, 2020, Leonard’s presentation covered the following topics:
- Ownership and regulation of surface water
- Permits and amendments
- Exempt uses
- The priority system and watermasters
- Amenity lakes
- Cancellation and enforcement
- Raw water contracts
For more information about the seminar, visit the HalfMoon website.
Meet Leonard
Leonard H. Dougal is an environmental lawyer with experience handling complex permitting and water matters, including energy companies involved in shale development, power generation companies, real estate developers, and special utility districts. He is also active in water quality issues where he represents mining and energy companies, developers, and agricultural operators in Clean Water Act permit and compliance matters. Leonard is board certified in Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Texas licensed Professional Engineer (inactive).
Ranked among Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business and The Best Lawyers in America in Texas for environmental matters, Leonard is a sought-after speaker at bar and continuing legal education seminars regarding emerging water law issues. He also co-authored of two chapters in the treatise on Texas water law, The Essentials of Texas Water Resources.
Outside of his law practice, Leonard serves on the boards of Headwaters at the Comal, and the Texas Libraries and Archives Foundation.
