Bill > HB3768

This bill amends the Texas Health and Safety Code by adding a new requirement for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to hold public hearings in areas with high benzene levels. Specifically, if monitoring or modeling data shows that an area is exceeding or likely to exceed national or state ambient air quality standards for benzene (a known carcinogenic chemical), the TCEQ must organize a public hearing in that area. The purpose of these hearings is to allow local residents and interested parties to provide comments about the elevated benzene levels. The commission is required to publish a notice of the hearing at least once in a local newspaper of general circulation, with the notice being published no later than 30 days before the hearing date. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to increase transparency and community involvement in addressing air quality concerns related to benzene pollution.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3768