Memphis lawmakers plan bill to protect aquifer

Coming from distant ends of the political spectrum, Lee Harris and Brian Kelsey may not agree on much, but they've found a common cause in working to protect the source of Memphis' drinking water.

Kelsey, a Republican state senator from Germantown representing a largely suburban district, and Harris, a Democrat representing a mostly urban population in Memphis, say they'll team up on planned legislation that would create a regional board or entity overseeing the Memphis Sand aquifer. Kelsey said he'll introduce the bill in the next couple of weeks, with Harris serving as the senate cosponsor and state Rep. Ron Lollar, R-Bartlett, shepherding the legislation in the House.

Kelsey described the bill as an initial step toward finding ways to protect the Memphis Sand, acknowledging that the concept of a regional board may need further examination.

"I'm open to plenty of other ideas, and I hope this would begin the discussion," he said.

Read more: http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/government/state/2017/01/22/memphis-lawmakers-plan-bill-protect-aquifer/96798172/