Bill > HB3328

This bill requires operators of wells undergoing hydraulic fracturing treatments, a process used to extract oil and gas by injecting fluid into rock formations, to disclose the composition of the fluids used. Specifically, operators must complete a form detailing the total volume of water used and each chemical ingredient subject to federal hazard communication standards, which are chemicals that pose a physical or health hazard as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This information, along with a list of all other intentionally added chemicals not covered by the OSHA standard, must be posted on a publicly accessible internet website and submitted to the state commission with the well completion report. Service companies and chemical suppliers involved in hydraulic fracturing are required to provide operators with the necessary information to comply with these disclosure requirements. The bill also establishes a process for claiming trade secret protection for certain ingredients, limiting who can challenge these claims to landowners and state agencies, and outlines procedures for health professionals and emergency responders to access this information when needed. These new disclosure requirements will apply to wells for which an initial drilling permit is issued on or after the effective date of the rules adopted by the Railroad Commission of Texas, with specific deadlines set for the adoption of these rules.