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SCR 13

Urging the U.S. Department of State and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to take appropriate action to ensure that Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty regarding shared water resources.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt and 28 co-sponsors

Texas urges federal officials to enforce Mexico's compliance with the 1944 water-sharing treaty governing Rio Grande allocations to address ongoing water delivery shortfalls.

Signed by the Governor
#departmentofstate #us(vi20q) #internationalboundary&watercommission(v0225) #resolutions--legislativepolicy(i0685) #water--rights(i0870)
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Bill Summary · SCR 13

Legislative bill overview

SCR 13 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Texas legislature that formally urges the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to enforce Mexico's compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico. The resolution does not create new law but expresses the state's official position on this transboundary water issue.

Why is this important

Texas depends heavily on water from the Rio Grande, which is regulated by the 1944 treaty that obligates Mexico to deliver specific volumes of water to the U.S. annually. Water shortages in the region have significant consequences for agriculture, municipalities, and ecosystems; this resolution signals state-level pressure on federal authorities to address Mexico's historical under-delivery of treaty obligations, particularly during drought periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority concerns: Concurrent resolutions are non-binding expressions of intent; critics may argue the state is overstepping by pressuring federal diplomacy on an international treaty matter
  • Diplomatic sensitivity: Mexico could view this as confrontational or as domestic pressure interfering with ongoing bilateral negotiations, potentially complicating diplomatic solutions
  • Root cause debate: Disagreement exists over whether Mexico's shortfalls stem from genuine water scarcity/drought conditions versus inadequate infrastructure investment or management practices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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