The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 11, 2021
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists has announced that, due to the continued opening of business operations in Texas, their temporary COVID policies will expire on June 30, 2021. In addition, the TBPG is currently working on some proposed changes to the current firm registration rules to simplify some definitions and make it easier for sole practitioners. This is the result of recommendations from both the 2019 Sunset Advisory Commission and the TBPG Advisory Committee recommendations. For more information about the Advisory Committee’s recommendations, go to “The Chair’s Report” in the TBPG Newsletter – Spring 2021 at: https://tbpg.state.tx.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TBPG-Newsletter-Spring-2021.pdf
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This year’s Texas legislative session is now over. The following bills have been approved and some are currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. New information is in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Anchia, Geren, Craddick, and Longoria, Companion bill SB 1213 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 6/9/2021 Signed by the Governor, Effective 9/1/20231. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 1284, by Paddie, Companion bill SB 450 identical. Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 6/9/2021 Signed by the Governor, effective immediately. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
SB 872, by Hancock, Companion bill HB 2072 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 5/15/2021 Signed by the Governor, effective immediately. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1441, by Campbell, Gutierrez, and Menendez, Companion bill HB 1801 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 6/1/2021 Sent to the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
6/11/2021