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The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
October 29, 2021
The Texas legislative session is once again out of session for the third time. None of the bills we were following were passed.
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The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) recently reviewed its rules for its four-year rule review, pursuant to Government Code §2001.039, and now proposes amendments to its rules to add acronyms and to correct wording and grammar for consistency. The proposed amendment to 22 TAC §850.10 clarifies the definition of "Licensee" in subsection 1, adding the terms, "P.G.," "Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT)," and "Geoscience Firm (Firm)" to list out the acronyms that are used throughout the rules. The proposed amendment in 22 TAC §850.61 removes the words "in order" from subsection (d) to eliminate redundancy and for consistency. The proposed amendment in 22 TAC §850.62 capitalizes the word "Firm" in two instances when referring to a registered geoscience firm. The proposed amendment in 22 TAC §850.63 adds the word "in" for clarity and consistency in subsection (a). The proposed amendment in 22 TAC §850.65 replaces the word "as" with "at" to correct and clarify the sentence. For more information go to: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/October222021/Proposed%20Rule...
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
10/29/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
October 2, 2021
The Texas legislative session is back in session, for the third time. Special Sessions may last as long as 30 days. The following bills have been filed and are being worked on. New information is in bold.
HB 56, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Designates who may be on the Council and what the Council can do. 9/14/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=873&Bill=HB56
HB 57, by Reynolds, Relating to information on projected changes in weather, water availability, and climate variability in strategic plans of certain state agencies. 9/14/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=873&Bill=HB57
HB 61, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 9/14/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=873&Bill=HB61
HB 62, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 9/14/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=873&Bill=HB62
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
10/2/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
September 9, 2021
The second Texas legislative session is over and none of the bills I was following were passed.
The Texas Groundwater Protection Committee has released their annual report on the quality of groundwater in Texas, “Joint Groundwater Monitoring and Contamination Report 2020, SFR-056/20”. The report contains a description of each case of groundwater contamination documented during the previous calendar year and the status of enforcement action for each listed case. The report can be found at: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/comm_exec/pubs/sfr/056-20.pdf
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has proposed the repeal of Chapter 321, Subchapters E (regulates discharges from surface coal mining, preparation, and reclamation activities), F (discharges from the shrimp industry), and L (discharges from motor vehicle cleaning facilities) and Chapter 351, Subchapter D (designates the Rio Grande Valley Pollution Control Authority as a regional wastewater service provider for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Area) because they are obsolete.
The 321 subchapters are obsolete because the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TCEQ and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) prohibits the TCEQ from issuing authorizations under these subchapters. The TCEQ authorizes these discharges under either an individual permit or general permit which comply with all necessary NPDES requirements.
The Chapter 351 subchapter is obsolete because the Rio Grande Valley Pollution Control Authority no longer exists nor are there any wastewater permits issued to any regional system in this regional area.
For more information go to: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/legal/rules/rule_lib/proposals/21022321_pex.pdf
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
9/9/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
August 13, 2021
The Texas legislative session is back in session. Special Sessions may last as long as 30 days. The following bills have been filed and are being worked on. New information is in bold.
HB 71, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. Of the 11 members of the Council, 4 are politicians, the remaining 4 are experts in climatology, the state's economy, land management and natural resource maintenance, and tourism. 8/6/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=872&Bill=HB71
HB 72, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Designates who may be on the Council and what the Council can do. 8/6/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=872&Bill=HB72
HB 73, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 8/6/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=872&Bill=HB73
HB 74, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 8/6/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=872&Bill=HB74
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
8/13/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
August 6, 2021
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has announced that you can now submit registrations for both aboveground and underground storage tanks online through the State of Texas Electronic Environmental Reporting System (STEERS). You can now electronically submit:
The TCEQ still accepts mailed or faxed forms and documents, but you will receive registration and self-certification certificates faster by submitting through STEERS.
To submit online, create a STEERS account by visiting the STEERS website (www3.tceq.texas.gov/steers/).
For questions about PST Registrations please contact the Registration and Reporting Team at 512-239-2160 or PSTReg@tceq.texas.gov.
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The Texas legislative session is back in session for the second time. None of the bills on this watch list for the first session passed. Special Sessions may last as long as 30 days. There are currently no bills filed that made it onto this list but I’ll continue to watch in case any come up.
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
8/6/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
July 10, 2021
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) proposes amendments concerning the licensure and regulation of Professional Geoscientists in Texas. TBPG proposes amendments to 22 TAC §851.41 and §851.80, regarding the addition of a Texas Fundamentals of Geophysics exam for the Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT) certification in the discipline of Geophysics. For more information go to: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/July92021/Proposed%20Rules/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#17
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Opinion Piece: On July 9, 2021 President Biden issued “Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy”. This executive order states that it establishes “a whole-of-government effort to promote competition in the American economy.” Among other things it will ban or limit non-compete agreements and unnecessary, cumbersome occupational licensing requirements that impede economic mobility. This is the same type of verbiage has been used by various groups and individuals in an effort to get rid of the Texas Professional Geoscientist license. Hopefully, this won’t re-ignite this effort, but it may cause problems in the future, especially with the TBPG’s Sunset Committee review coming up in a couple of years.
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The Texas legislative session is back in session. Special Sessions may last as long as 30 days. The following bills have been filed and are being worked on. New information is in bold.
HB 51, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 6/9/2021, 7/7/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=871&Bill=HB51
HB 52, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 7/7/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=871&Bill=HB52
HB 51, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 7/7/2021 filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=871&Bill=HB53
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
7/10/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 19, 2021
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. 6/18/2021 Signed by the governor, Effective on 9/1/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
6/19/2021
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
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 5, 2021
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:
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. 5/25/2021 Sent to the Governor. 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. 5/25/2021 Sent to the Governor. 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 Governer, 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
6/5/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
May 29, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold. Legislation passed and signed by the Governor are preceded by and “*”. One bill has been passed and signed by the Governor.
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. 5/25/2021 Sent to the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
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. 5/25/2021 Sent to the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 5/21/2021 Senate Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 5/19/2021 Senate Committee report printed and distributed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 5/6/2021 Committtee report sent to calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 5/10/2021 Considered in Calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in addition to the TCEQ of a spill. 4/26/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 4/27/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 5/14/2021 Senate referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 5/28/2021 Senate appoints conferees. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 450, by Hancock, Companion bill HB 1284 (Identical), Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 4/8/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB450
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 5/3/2021 House referred to House Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
*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 Governer, effective immediately. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 5/4/2021 Not again placed on Intent Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 5/28/2021 Reported enrolled. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
5/29/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
May 22, 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TBPG has instituted some changes to its operations, and has extended its temporary CE Policy through June 30, 2021. For more information regarding this policy, please see https://tbpg.state.tx.us/covid-19/tbpg-response-to-covid-19/.
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The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold. Legislation passed and signed by the Governor are preceded by and “*”. One bill has been passed and signed by the Governor.
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. 5/21/2021 Senate Passed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
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. 5/21/2021 Senate Passed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 5/21/2021 Senate Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 5/19/2021 Senate Committee report printed and distributed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 5/6/2021 Committtee report sent to calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 5/10/2021 Considered in Calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in addition to the TCEQ of a spill. 4/26/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 4/27/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 5/14/2021 Senate referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 5/19/2021 Senate House passage as amended reported. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 450, by Hancock, Companion bill HB 1284 (Identical), Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 4/8/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB450
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 5/3/2021 House referred to House Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
*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 Governer, effective immediately. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 5/4/2021 Not again placed on Intent Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 5/19/2021 Senate House passage as amended reported. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
5/22/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
May 15, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold. Legislation passed and signed by the Governor are preceded by and “*”. One bill has been passed and signed by the Governor.
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. 5/10/2021 Senate referred to Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
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. 5/13/2021 Senate Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 5/14/2021 Senate Received from the House. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 5/18/2021 Senate scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 5/6/2021 Committtee report sent to calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 5/10/2021 Considered in Calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in addition to the TCEQ of a spill. 4/26/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 4/27/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 5/14/2021 Senate referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 5/18/2021 House Placed on Local, Consent, and Ressolutions Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 450, by Hancock, Companion bill HB 1284 (Identical), Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 4/8/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB450
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 5/3/2021 House referred to House Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
*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 Governer, effective immediately. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 5/4/2021 Not again placed on Intent Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 5/18/2021 House Placed on Local, Consent, and Resolutions Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
5/15/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
May 9, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 4/26/2021 Senate received from the House. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
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. 4/20/2021 Senate received from the House. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 5/10/2021 Placed on General State Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 5/11/2021 Placed on Local, Consent, and Resolutions Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 5/6/2021 Committtee report sent to calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 4/14/2021 Committee report sent to Calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in addition to the TCEQ of a spill. 4/26/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 4/27/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 5/11/2021 Placed on Local, Consent, and Resolutons Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 5/4/2021 House Coimmittee report sent to Local & Consent Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 450, by Hancock, Companion bill HB 1284 (Identical), Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 4/8/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB450
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 5/3/2021 House referred to House Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 5/4/2021 Sent to the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 5/4/2021 Not again placed on Intent Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 5/6/2021 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
5/9/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
May 1, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 4/26/2021 Senate received from the House. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
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. 4/20/2021 Senate received from the House. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 4/20/2021Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 4/29/2021Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 4/29/2021 Reported favorably without amemdments. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 4/14/2021 Committee report sent to Calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in addition to the TCEQ of a spill. 4/26/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 4/27/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 4/29/2021 Reported favorably without amemdments. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 4/29/2021 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 450, by Hancock, Companion bill HB 1284 (Identical), Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 4/8/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB450
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/29/2021 House received from the Senate. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 4/30/2021 House Passed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 5/3/2021 Placed on intent calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 5/4/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
5/1/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
April 24, 2021
On April 21, 2021 The Texas Geoscience Council (TGC) got wind of an effort to defund the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG). Representative Cason presented an amendment to the proposed Texas State budget (House bill CSSB1) to increase Article 1 appropriations from the General Revenue Fund to Rider 26 of the Trusteed Programs within the Office of the Governor by$588,700 and reduce the Article VIII appropriations from the General Revenue Fund to the TBPG by the amount of $588,700. This amendment was to be voted on by the House the next day. Thanks to a last minute letter-writing campaign, the amendment was tabled. The legislature will conclude it’s business on May31, 2021, so we’ll continue to watch for any further developments, should they occur.
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The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 4/23/2021 Reported engrossed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
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. 4/20/2021 Senate received from the House. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 4/20/2021Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 4/20/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 4/21/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 4/14/2021 Committee report sent to Calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in addition to the TCEQ of a spill. 4/26/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 4/27/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natrual Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 4/27/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 450, by Hancock, Companion bill HB 1284 (Identical), Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 4/8/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB450
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/26/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 4/21/2021 House committee report sent to Local & Consent Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 4/22/2021 Not again placed on intent calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 4/21/2021 House referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
4/24/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
April 16, 2021
The Governor has appointed the following to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, for terms to expire February 1, 2027:
· Bereket M. Derie, Ph.D. of Georgetown, Texas (Mr. Derie is being reappointed).
· Steven W. Fleming of Shavano Park, Texas (Mr. Fleming is being reappointed).
· LaFawn D. Thompson of New Braunfels, Texas (Ms. Thompson is being reappointed).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 4/16/2021 House committee report sent to Local & Consent Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 4/19/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 4/19/2021 Placed on General State Calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 4/13/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 4/20/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 4/21/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 4/14/2021 Committee report sent to Calendars. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in additon to the TCEQ of a spill. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natrual Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 4/12/2021 Referred to Natrual Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/11/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 4/12/2021 Reported favorably without amendments. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 4/15/2021 Considered in public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 4/19/2021 Placed on local & uncontested calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
4/16/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
April 10, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 3/29/2021 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 3/29/2021 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa and Rodriguez, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 4/13/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 4/13/2021 Scherduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson and Reynolds, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 33/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 3/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 4/8/2021 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in additon to the TCEQ of a spill. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natrual Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 4/8/2021 House received from the Senate. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/11/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 4/6/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 4/8/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 4/1/2021 Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
4/10/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
April 2, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 3/29/2021 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia and Reynolds, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin and Reynolds, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 3/29/2021 Reported favorably as substituted. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson and Lopez, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/15/2021 Referred to House Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Darby, Dominguez, Raney, and Rogers, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 3/15/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 33/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 3/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 4/6/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in additon to the TCEQ of a spill. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natrual Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. 3/29/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulaton. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry and Creighton, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 3/31/2021 Placed on intent calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/11/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 3/31/2021 House received from the Senate. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 4/8/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
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. 4/1/2021 Recommended for local & uncontested calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
4/2/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 27, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/15/2021 Referred to House Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 3/15/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 33/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 3/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/17/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in additon to the TCEQ of a spill. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natrual Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. Filed 3/12/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 3/25/2021 Committee report printed and distributed For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/11/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 3/29/2021 Placed on intent calendar. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
SB 1441, by Campbell, Companion bill HB 1801 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/30/2021 Scheduled for Public Hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
3/27/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 19, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 3/22/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Companion bill SB 1294 (Similar), Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. The Office of Environmental Justice is created within the commission to protect the public health, general welfare, and physical property of environmental justice communities in regard to the issuance of permits. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 3/22/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of land on which a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. 3/15/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/15/2021 Referred to House Administration. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. 3/22/2021 Scheduled for public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 3/15/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." 33/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. 3/15/2021 Referred to Homeland Secruity & Public Safety. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/17/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in additon to the TCEQ of a spill. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 3/17/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natrual Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. Filed 3/12/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." 3/22/2021 Scheduled for Public Hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/11/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 3/16/2021 Left pending in committee. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. 3/18/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, HB 1191 Identical, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/18/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
SB 1441, by Campbell, Companion bill HB 1801 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/18/2021 Referred to Vet Affairs & Border Security. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
3/19/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 14, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown 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. 3/1/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 3/4/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Companion bill SB 388 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/8/2021 Referred to energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1441 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. Filed 2/12/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of lant on whiich a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. Filed 2/24/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. Filed 3/2/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in additon to the TCEQ of a spill. Filed 3/3/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. Filed 3/3/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. Filed 3/4/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
HB 4341, by Biedernabb, Relating to the transfer of the regulation of aggregate production operations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission of Texas on delegation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. Filed 3/12/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=4341
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. 3/9/2021 Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. 3/11/2021 Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. 3/11/2021 Referred to Natural Resources &Economic Development. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. 3/16/2021 Scheduled for Public hearing. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. Filed 3/4/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
SB 1213, by Seliger, Companion bill HB 632 (Identical), Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 3/9/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1213
SB 1294, by Eckhardt, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 3/9/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1294
SB 1441, by Campbell, Companion bill HB 1801 (Identical), Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. Filed 3/10/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1441
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
3/14/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
March 6, 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) has instituted some changes to its operations, and has extended its temporary CE Policy through April 30, 2021. TBPG will continue to monitor and make any necessary business adjustments
as needed. For more information regarding this policy, please see https://tbpg.state.tx.us/covid-19/tbpg-response-to-covid-19/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. 3/1/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. 3/1/2021 Referred to Natural Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. 3/1/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. 3/4/2021 Referred to Energy Resources. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 3/4/2021 Referred to Environmental Regulation. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Companion bill SB 388 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 2/2/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson, Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. Filed 2/10/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. Filed 2/12/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of lant on whiich a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Companion bill SB 872 (Identical), Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Extends the dry cleaner environmental response program to 2041. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. Filed 2/24/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
HB 2652, by Larson, Companion bill SB 1039 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. Filed 3/2/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2652
HB 2659, by Rosenthal, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. The county judge will need to be notified in additon to the TCEQ of a spill. Filed 3/3/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2659
HB 2689, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. Filed 3/3/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2689
HB 2851, by Lucio III, Relating to the consideration of modeled sustainable groundwater pumping in the adoption of desired future conditions in groundwater conservation districts. Filed 3/4/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2851
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
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. Filed 3/1/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB872
SB 1039, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 2652 (Identical), Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. Filed 3/4/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1039
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
3/6/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
February 27, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. Filed 1/11/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/19/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Companion bill SB 388 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 2/2/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson, Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. Filed 2/10/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. Filed 2/12/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
HB 1976, by Gervin-Hawkins, Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1976
HB 2006, by Ashby, Companion bill SB 771 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. In addition to publishing notice of the permit application, notice shall be given to a river authority or groundwater conservation district whose territory contains the tract of lant on whiich a disposal pit will be located or on which the disposal will take place. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2006
HB 2019, by Hefner, Companion bill SB 699 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2019
HB 2072, by Lambert, Relating to the expiration of the dry cleaner environmental response program. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2072
HB 2095, by Wilson, Relating to water research conducted by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2095
HB 2148, by Stephenson, Relating to notice of contamination of a public water supply to certain water providers by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "As soon as possible after the commission detects or becomes aware of contamination of water that is a source for a public water supply and not later than the time the commission notifies the news media of the contamination, the commission shall give notice of the contamination to the owner or operator of each public water supply system that may be affected by the contamination." Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2148
HB 2166, by Raymond, Relating to a study by the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in this state. Conduct a study regarding the potential effects of droughts and wildfires in Texas over the next 50 years. Filed 2/24/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=2166
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
SB 699, by Blanco, Companion bill HB 2019 (Identical), Relating to a study of the conversion of surface mine pits and quarries to water storage reservoirs in order to enhance this state's available water supply. Filed 2/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB699
SB 771, by Nichols, Companion bill HB 2006 (Identical), Relating to the notice requirements for permits for the commercial surface disposal of oil and gas wastes. Filed 2/23/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB771
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
2/27/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
February 12, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB714
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. Filed 1/11/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/19/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Companion bill SB 388 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 2/2/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
HB 1801, by Larson, Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. Filed 2/10/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1801
HB 1913, by Hinojosa, Relating to a requirement that an applicant for a permit to drill an oil or gas well submit a gas capture plan for the well. Filed 2/12/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=1913
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 666 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
2/12/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
February 7, 2021
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB7814
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. Filed 1/11/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/19/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1521, by Hinojosa, Companion bill SB 388 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 2/2/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1521
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 665 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. "The board of regents of The University of Texas System shall adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring on university lands by 2025." Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Companion bill HB 1521 (Similar), Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
2/7/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
January 23, 2021
The governor of Texas has appointed LaFawn D. Thompson of New Braunfels, Texas to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, for a term to expire February 1, 2021. She replaces Lindsey A. Lee of Edna, who resigned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB7814
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. Filed 1/11/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1191, by Goodwin, Relating to the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/19/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1191
HB 1284, by Paddie, Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1284
HB 1289, by Reynolds, Relating to notice of certain accidental discharges or spills to local government officials by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 665 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
SB 388, by Eckhardt, Relating to the reduction of methane gas flaring on land dedicated to the permanent university fund. Filed 1/22/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB388
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
1/23/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
January 16, 2021
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has updated the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) Tier 1 Protective Concentration Levels (PCLs). The tables can be accessed at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/remediation/trrp/trrppcls.html.
The 2021 PCL table update has been released as a single Microsoft Excel workbook with each table on a separate worksheet and as a print only PDF file. The Excel file and the PDF file each contain PCL tables 1 through 10 and the supporting tables in the following order:
The PCL tables updated in November 2019 were the most recent tables prior to this release. A guide to the correct interpretation and use of the Tier 1 PCL tables can be accessed at the following link: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/comm_exec/pubs/rg/rg-366-trrp-23.pdf
For additional information on the PCL tables, contact Mike Aplin at mike.aplin@tceq.texas.gov
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The Texas Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB7814
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
HB 1044, by Anchia, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. Filed 1/11/2021. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1044
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 665 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
1/16/2021
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
December 27, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TBPG has instituted some changes to its
operations, and has extended its temporary CE Policy through February 28, 2021. For more information goto: https://tbpg.state.tx.us/covid-19/tbpg-response-to-covid-19/
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Tucked into the massive $2.3 trillion spending bill that passed both houses of Congress late Monday is a $75 million provision that could provide a big boost to the domestic uranium industry. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which funds $900 billion in corona virus relief and appropriates $1.4 trillion in government spending, also would create a U.S. uranium reserve that was recommended earlier this year by the Trump-appointed Nuclear Fuel Working Group.
Over 90% of uranium used in nuclear power plants in the United States is imported from abroad, and the working group originally recommended the appropriation of $150 million per year for 10 years to build up a supply of domestically mined uranium in order to protect national security interests. The stockpile would be used to supply power plants and the nation’s nuclear-powered naval fleet. The passage of the legislation was immediately celebrated by uranium mining companies.
The creation of a taxpayer-funded reserve is supported by mining companies and opposed by environmental groups.
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The Texas Legislature will be back in session January 12, 2021 through May 31, 2021. On November 9, 2020 bills began to be filed. New bills and information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB669
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
HB 896, by Reynolds, Relating to air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB896
HB 897, by Reynolds, Relating to the analysis of inspection and maintenance requirements for air quality permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain oil and gas facilities. Filed 12/21/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB897
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 665 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
12/27/2020
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
December 19, 2020
The Texas Legislature will be back in session January 12, 2021 through May 31, 2021. On November 9, 2020 bills began to be filed. New bills and information are shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB669
HB 858, by Dutton, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. "The commission shall set each carcinogenic risk level used by the commission in the development of a protective concentration level, risk-based exposure limit, or any other remediation standard used in connection with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including the Texas Risk Reduction Program (30 T.A.C. Chapter 350) or a similar program established by the commission, at a rate not greater than one in one million." Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB858
HB 860, by Collier, Relating to changes to an application for an environmental permit before a contested case hearing on the application. Filed 12/17/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB860
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 665 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
12/19/2020
The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
December 5, 2020
The US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) has approved the bipartisan Bill that includes a yearly program for a national strategic uranium reserve. EPW Senate committee chairperson Senator John Barrasso stated on Thursday that the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act would promote US international leadership, preserve America's nuclear fuel supply chain, prevent more carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere, and protect economic, energy and national security.
"The bipartisan Nuclear Infrastructure Act is broad reaching legislation, important for supporting the US nuclear fuel industry, national security and clean energy. The legislation will provide a clear path for implementation of the US uranium reserve and provide a strong platform to revitalize the US uranium industry,” commented uranium exploration and developer Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) CEO and president Amir Adnani.
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The Texas Legislature will be back in session January 12, 2021 through May 31, 2021. On November 9, 2020 bills began to be filed. New bills and information is shown in bold.
HB 632, by Darby, Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee for the TexNet seismic monitoring program. Filed 11/23/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB632
HB 666, by Harris, Companion bills HB 668 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB666
HB 668, by Harris, Companion bills HB 666 (Duplicate) and SB 152 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/30/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB668
HB 714, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Filed 12/3/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB669
SB 152, by Perry, Companion bills HB 665 (Identical) and HB 668 (Identical), Relating to the regulation of groundwater conservation districts. A person with groundwater ownership and rights may petition the district to adopt modify a rule. This bill lists what the petition must contain. Filed 11/10/2020. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB152
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
12/5/2020
