Bill > HB873

This bill introduces new requirements for air quality permits for aggregate production operations and concrete batch plants in Texas, establishing more comprehensive regulations for these facilities. The bill mandates that permit applicants must install noise monitoring equipment at specific perimeter points, ensure outdoor lighting meets professional standards, use computer-controlled blasting technology, manage water usage through metered sources or water recirculation, and provide a site restoration plan with financial assurance. Facilities must also comply with noise level restrictions (70 decibels at monitoring points and 65 decibels near residential properties within 880 yards), and maintain monitoring records for five years. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will be responsible for overseeing these requirements, including publishing acceptable monitoring equipment lists and investigating noise complaints. Additionally, the bill requires notification of various state agencies and local governments before public hearings about these permits, and mandates that certain agencies send representatives to such hearings. The new regulations will apply to new permit applications submitted on or after the effective date and to permit renewals submitted on or after January 1, 2027, with the act taking effect on January 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB873