The Wise Report

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

June 1,  2007

The following is an update of current Texas Legislation that may be of interest to Geologists.  I am only including those bills sent to or signed by the Governor since all other bills will have to be re-introduced in the next session to be considered.  It is anticipated that the Governor will sign these bills shortly.
 
H.B. No. 3:  Authored by Puente, Relating to the management of the water resources of the state, including the protection of instream flows and freshwater inflows. Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/30/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB3
S.B. No. 662, companion bill - H.B. No. 1313:  Authored by Wentworth, Relating to transmittal to the Texas Water Development Board and a local groundwater conservation district of certain information by a person applying to subdivide a tract of land.  Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/27/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=SB662
H.B. No. 4:  Puente, Relating to water conservation.  Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/30/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB4
S.B. 404, companion bill - H.B. 1020, Authored by Zaffirin, Relating to the Bee Groundwater Conservation District.  Last action taken:  Signed by the Governor, effective immediately 5/23/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=SB404 
S.B. 1604, Authored by Duncan, Relating to responsibilities of certain state agencies concerning radioactive substances;  imposing fees & surcharges''  providing administrative & civil penalties.  Area permits for ISL are to be issued by the TCEQ, waste permits by the TDH.  Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/30/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=SB1604
H.B. 2018, Authored by Duell, Relating to eligibility for a municipal setting designation related to potential impacts to groundwater quality of solid waste activities.  Removes the minimum population requirement for an MSD.  Last action taken:  Signed by the Governor, effective immediately 5/25/07.  For more information go to  :http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB2018 
H.B. 3220, Authored by Elkins, Relating to the environmental regulation and remediation of dry cleaning facilities.  Allows more sites to participate in the program.  Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/28/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB3220 
H.B. 3554, companion bill - S.B. 1692,  Authored by Carl Isett, Relating to the program for the regulation and remediation of underground and above ground storage tanks..  Extends the life of the LPST Remediation Fund to September 1, 2011.  Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/28/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB3554 
H.B. 3837, Authored by Gonzalez Toureilles, Relating to regulation by the Railroad Commission of injection wells used for in situ uranium mining.  Need RRC permit for ISL uranium exploration holes and wells until production area permit approved by TCEQ.   Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/28/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB3837 

H.B. 3838, Authored by Gonzalez Toureilles, Hardcastle, Chisum, Relating to regulation of injection wells used for in situ uranium recovery by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.   Last action taken:  Sent to the Governor 5/28/07.  For more information go to:  http://www.c