The Wise Report (Part 2)Henry M. Wise, P.GApril 2, 2011
Due to space limitations the Wise
Report is being given in two parts.
I've been compiling a list of
proposed bills that may be of interest to geologists. If you have any that I
have missed, let me know and I'll include them. Filing of proposed bills has
begun and here's the ones I'm currently watching. All new items or updates are
in bold:
HB-377, by McClendon, Relating to
the expenditure of money from the general revenue fund for rail projects. 4/4/2011
- Placed on General State Calendar. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB377
HB-444, by Creighton, Relating to
notification of applications for permits for certain injection wells. "If
an application is received in proper form for a permit for an injection well to
dispose of industrial and municipal waste and the proposed location of the
injection well is in the territory of a groundwater conservation district, the
executive director shall submit a copy of the application to the governing body
of the groundwater conservation district. The groundwater conservation district
may make recommendations to the commission concerning any aspect of the
application..." 4/5/2011 - Placed on General State Calendar. For
more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB444
HB-977, by Burnham, Relating to the
development of a climate adaptation plan by certain entities. 2/28/2011 -
Referred to State Affairs. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB977
HB-1164, by Keffer, Relating to
enforcement actions by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers against
political subdivisions and certain public officials. The PE Board may not
impose an administrative penalty for a violation on a political subdivision, or
public official or employee of the state or of a political subdivision of the
state who is not licensed under this chapter. Geologists aren't mentioned in
this piece of legislation, but could eventually be. 3/1/2011 - Referred
to Licensing & Administrative Procedures. For more information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB1164
HB-1302, by Larson, Relating to the
establishment of the Texas Energy and Communications Commission to consolidate
the functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Railroad
Commission of Texas. 3/1/2011 - Referred to Energy Resources . For more
information go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB1302