The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
December 5, 2010
At its open meeting on November 30, 2010, the Texas Railroad Commission adopted new Chapter 5 relating to Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The new chapter implements Senate Bill 1387 (2009) concerning the capture, injection, sequestration, or geologic storage of carbon dioxide. The new rules should be published in the December 17, 2010, issue of the Texas Register, with an effective date of Monday, December 20, 2010. The new rules can be viewed at: http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/rules/adopt-new-ch5-Nov30-2010.pdf
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) has adopted amendments concerning the licensure and regulation of Professional Geoscientists. These amendments, repeals and new rules will reorganize, specify and clarify the requirements for examination and licensure, firm registration and certification as a Geoscientist-in-Training; clarify the application procedures; clarify the distinction between the license and the license certificate; clarify license, registration, and certification renewal requirements and procedures; define the role of the Authorized Official of a Firm; strengthen the professional code of conduct and apply relevant portions of it to registered firms, the Authorized Official of a Firm, and Geoscientists-in-Training; clarify complaint procedures and the actions the Board may impose on a Professional Geoscientist, a registered firm, an Authorized Official of a Firm, a Geoscientist-in-Training, an unlicensed individual and an unregistered firm; correct minor errors; improve the definitions and rules; and ensure that the rules reflect current legal, policy, and operational considerations. The adoptions become effective December 15, 2010. For more information go to: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/adopted/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#393
Henry M. Wise, P.G.The Wise Report12/5/2010