Bill > HB1808

This bill amends Texas state law to expand the Railroad Commission's regulatory authority over produced water from oil and gas operations. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to the Natural Resources Code allowing the commission to regulate the recycling and beneficial use of produced water (water that comes up alongside oil and gas during extraction), with a requirement to protect public health and the environment. The bill also modifies the Water Code to mandate that the commission provide assistance to applicants seeking permits for discharging produced water, hydrostatic test water, and gas plant effluent into state waters. The changes apply both before and after the delegation of authority under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, ensuring consistent regulatory oversight. Key terms include "produced water" (wastewater generated during oil and gas extraction), "NPDES" (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System), and "Railroad Commission" (the Texas state agency responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry). The bill aims to create a more comprehensive framework for managing and potentially reusing water generated by oil and gas operations, with an effective date of September 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1808