AIPG-TX News | AIPG-TX

28 Dec, 2023

Texas is Getting Bigger than You May Know ….

We all know the State of Texas is huge. Most people don’t know about the TEX-A-PLEX. Do you?

See the video (here).
It will be surprising. It was to us.

The triangular region framed in by the cities of Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio is experiencing a wave of growth of historic proportions more than anywhere in the world;
In 2020, the population of the Texas Triangle reached nearly 21 million;
The Texas Triangle contains five of the 20 largest cities in the U.S., and was home to more than 70% of all Texans: City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, City of Austin, City of Houston and City of San Antonio;
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is bigger than all of Manhattan;
The University of Texas at Austin is the third largest land owner in the United States;
San Antonio is bigger than New York City and Detroit combined;
Houston area has a bigger population than Colorado and 34 other states;
Four of the top ten metro statistical areas are in Texas;
The Texas economy is on fire. The state added 660,000 new jobs last year – more jobs than any other, and twice the number of new jobs compared to its historical average. With Dallas by far leading the growth;
50,000 jobs a month, I mean, that’s almost 2,000 jobs a day every day of the week for an entire year;
No state income tax;
The Tex-A-Plex is home to over 50 Fortune 500 companies. And has more Fortune 1000 companies than any other state;
At $2.4 TRILLION, Texas is ranked as the 9th largest economy among nations of the world by GDP, ahead of Canada, South Korea, Russia, and Australia;
Texas is the largest exporter of goods in the United States;
Dallas is home to the fourth most BILLIONAIRES in the world;
Houston has more than 5,000 energy related firms and is the energy capital of the world;
The Texas Medical Center is the largest in the world located in Houston, with major extensions to Katy, Texas (“Western Suburbs”);
25% of ALL retail space in the United States is in Texas;
Austin is the live music capital of the world. South By Southwest Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater (ACL Live);
The are 12 professional sports teams in the Tex-A-Plex;
You can further your education in the great state of Texas at any one of the 159 universities and colleges in order to prepare yourself for a successful and prosperous career. Including 6 medical schools;
Texas A&M University has an enrollment of 74,829 the largest student body in the United States

Tex-A-Plex REFERENCE for additional information!

With this base to work with, we, the members of the Texas Board of the AIPG, should be doing much more. Let’s think about this and let’s discuss it at the next Board meeting in January, 2024.

Henry Wise, P.G., C.P.G., President

and

Michael D. Campbell, VP, P.G., P.H., C.P.G., Eastern Texas

12 Oct, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

How to Tell You’re Being Phished and 9 Other Common Online Scams – 2022

Delbert reported in earlier 2022 that the Internet can feel packed with scams sometimes, especially for anyone who’s had their credit card or other information stolen. But most scams fall into a small variety of types that are easy to identify and avoid once you know about them.

There are only so many ways to reinvent the wheel—scammers will usually fall into a set number of categories. Twingate assembled a list of common online scams that internet users should be wary of, drawing on research from government organizations, payment processors, and tech companies.

One of the major categories of scamming is called social engineering. An old-fashioned method that still works surprisingly well, social engineering is any fraud where a human being communicates with you to obtain information in person, online, or over the phone. Scammers will use manipulative, deceptive, or psychological tactics to get someone to reveal confidential information.

As our lives increasingly have shifted online, scammers have followed, posing as everything from fake online boyfriends to made-up charities. So the next time you get a voicemail claiming to be from Microsoft, an email that says your antivirus service is out of date, or a pop-up ad from “newy0rktimes.com,” take a few seconds and think about whether it’s a genuine message before doing anything. Continue reading to learn about the most common online scams today.

30 Sep, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

Texas AIPG Board Members Met with the Students at the Texas Hydro~Geo Workshop: September 29-October 1, 2023 in Boerne, Texas

Real-World Field Settings for Valuable Hands-On Experience in Aquatic Biology, Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, and Environmental Science

More than 200 students and a few professionals from around Texas assembled near Boerne, Texas for the Texas Hydro~Geo Workshop. It is focused on the collection, processing, analysis, and evaluation of hydrologic (surface water), geologic, and hydrogeologic (groundwater) field data. It serves as an excellent introduction for aspiring geology, hydrology, hydrogeologic, and environmental science students, as well as a refresher for seasoned professionals with potential recruiting objectivies.

The Workshop was created to bring students and professionals together in a field setting for a hands-on learning experience. This is a special opportunity to work with senior researchers and professionals from across the state and nation. Participants have the opportunity to explore many different techniques for collecting data from soil, rock, and water media. This includes drilling rigs, surface and borehole geophysics, stream gauging, water quality instruments, and much more. For those who will be taking week long or longer field courses associated with your degree program, some of the Hydro~Geo Workshop modules provided students with an advantage ranging from advanced knowledge on field safety, field-book data collection, rock and sediment identification, how to camp, etc.

Participants selected from the various modules depending upon availability. Please note that participation may be limited in some modules for safety reasons, in order to maintain a high participant/coordinator ratio, or for resource protection. The Workshop also includes the opportunity for senior professionals to present Lightning Talks to the attendees.

Members of the Texas AIPG Board of Directors made presentations focused on what AIPG does for students and professionals in Texas and around the U.S., and they provided some hints as to what it’s like to be a Professional Geologist (a P.G., and a C.P.G.). Pick-up the handouts at the booth (more) and other momentos that will be available. Here some photos from the activities on the second day (here). Many students signed up to apply for student memberships of the AIPG, which are Free !

Two seasoned professionals, Dr. Roger Lee, P.G. and Mr. Bruce Handley, P.G., discussed the students’ future in the geosciences at the AIPG-TX booth. Also, Bailey Hodakievic was also present to discuss such matters with the attendees as well (more). She was recently appointed by Henry Wise, P.G., C.P.G., (President of the AIPG-TX) to serve on the AIPG-TX Board and as President of the Texas Statewide Student Virtual Chapter of the AIPG Texas Section.

The Workshop took place at and around Cave Without a Name facility near Boerne, Texas. Most activities were conducted at the campsite and pavilion.

29 Sep, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

The Wise Report – October 1, 2023

The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.

October 1, 2023

The Ecological Screening Benchmark Tables for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have been updated and posted to the TCEQ’s Ecological Risk Assessments webpage (here). The Ecological Screening Benchmarks are numeric values for surface water, sediment, and soil that can be used to screen non-bioaccumulative chemicals of concern from further evaluation under Tier 2 Screening-Level Ecological Risk Assessments.

Please contact the Remediation Division Technical Program Support (TPS) Team at techsup@tceq.texas.gov if you have any questions.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
10/1/2023

23 Sep, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

The Wise Report – September 23, 2023

The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G., C.P.G.
September 23, 2023

The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) adopts the following amendments:

22 TAC §851.21 Licensing Requirements – Examinations: amends the examination process and procedures to sit for the examinations and removes language that references a form that is no longer required.
22 TAC §851.22 Waivers and Substitutions: Policy, Procedures, and Criteria: describes the relevant work experience requirement, removes language that may have been interpretated as the Board evaluating an applicant’s “good and ethical” character, and adds clarity and consistent language relating to continuing education used throughout the policy.

Henry M. Wise, P.G., C.P.G.
The Wise Report
9/23/2023

11 Sep, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

AIPG Texas September Webinar at Noon this Month

The Geology of Western Sicily and its Effect on Iron Age (2800-2600 BP) and Modern Societies

September 12, 2023
Please note the new time!
(10:00 am pacific, 11:00 am mountain, 12:00 pm central, 1:00 pm eastern)

Western Sicily is underlain by African basement upon which is piled a series of thrust sheets (the south-verging Maghrebian Orogenic Belt) containing rocks as young as early Pleistocene. Uplift and large earthquakes continue to the present. Sediment loads of rivers are high, resulting in extensive alluvial plains: these were historically highly malarial, but are now drained and being dewatered by intensive irrigation.

Iron Age settlements were often on the summits of high mountains, as were Arab settlements. At other periods, settlements have clustered in or near the fertile but unhealthy plains.

Presenter: John Berry

REGISTER HERE (MORE)

31 Aug, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

Texas Water Journal’s Review of the 88th Texas State Legislature: Summaries of Water-Related Legislative Action – 2023

Kirkle, et al., reported on August 31, 2023 that after a fast and furious 140 days, the 88th Texas Legislature adjourned sine die. Governor Abbott has already called the Legislature Back for two special sessions, with more expected over the interim. The Legislature headed into the 88th regular session with a nearly $33 billion surplus, making the budget the most significant topic on the legislative docket, followed by various social issues.

Issues that surrounded the budget included property tax reform and funding for retired teachers, state employees, higher education, parks, broadband, electric generation, and water. Legislators filed 8,345 bills and joint resolutions, about 14% more than in the 87th session. Only 1,256 of those bills passed both chambers by sine die, providing for a 15% per-cent bill passage rate and resulting in the 88th session having the highest number of bills filed and lowest passage rate in recent memory (Telicon 2023).

Governor Abbott vetoed 76 bills (nine of which TWCA tracked), second only to Rick Perry in 2001 (Legislative Reference Library 2023). In many cases, the Governor’s veto proclamation noted the importance of the vetoed bill and invited the Legislature to reconsider the bill after the passage of legislation addressing property tax or education reform.

On the waterfront, this session marked the formation of the first-ever House Water Caucus, chaired by Rep. Tracy O. King. The goals of the caucus include educating legislative members and staff on water issues, elevating water issues as a priority within the Legislature, and cultivating the next generation of water champions. Seventy-three of the 150 members of the Texas House joined the Water Caucus, demonstrating the importance of water issues across the state (Texas Water Foundation 2023).As in past sessions, TWCA closely followed bills that could impact its members, tracking 754 bills and designating 61 of those bills as a high priority. One hundred nineteen, or about 16% of our tracked bills, made it to the finish line, with 16 of those being a high priority. The most significant bills that may interest water professionals are summarized below.

Water infrastructure

After an interim filled with discussions about infrastructure woes, such as line breaks and boil water notices due to extreme weather events, the Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 28 and Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 75 (Perry/T. King) to create the Texas Water Fund. This umbrella fund allows the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to disburse money to other funds and programs it administers, such as the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the Rural Water Assistance Fund. The bill also creates the New Water Supply for Texas Fund and includes a goal for TWDB to fund 7 million acre-feet of new water supplies by 2033 through eligible projects such as desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, and use of produced water outside the oil and gas arena.

SB 28 requires a portion of the Texas Water Fund to be used for water infrastructure projects for rural political subdivisions and municipalities with a population under 150,000; projects for which all permitting is complete; a statewide water public awareness program; water conservation strategies; and water loss mitigation projects. The bill requires all recipients of financial assistance to submit a water conservation plan. TWDB must also establish a technical assistance program to assist retail public utilities with water loss audits and post certain water loss information on its website (SB 28 2023).

SJR 75, which amends the Texas Constitution to create the Texas Water Fund, must be approved by Texas voters this November before funding may be accessed. The resolution pro-vides that not less than 25% of the initial $1 billion appropriation to the Texas Water Fund be used for eligible projects in the New Water Supply for Texas Fund (SJR 75 2023). Beyond SB 28/SJR 75, the Legislature funded other water infrastructure priorities through the state budget and supple-mental appropriations bill (HB 1 and SB 30 – Bonnen/Huffman). Most significantly, this included $625 million to the Flood Infrastructure Fund, $550 million toward the coastal spine, and $125 million in match funds for the State Revolving Funds. SB 469 (Springer/T. King) also updated the definition of “rural political subdivision” to access TWDB programs (SB 469 2023).Advocacy for investment in water infrastructure also brought about unprecedented collaboration within and beyond the water community.

TWCA partnered with other key water associations to form a water infrastructure coalition to help advocate for water, wastewater, and flood infrastructure investment. Despite very different water needs and priorities, the coalition of 24 associations and 47 individual districts, organizations, and firms share a common goal of ensuring our water future. The water community is thankful for the leadership of our chairmen – Senator Charles Perry and Representative Tracy O. King – in passing and securing an appropriation for SB 28/SJR 75, and all realize the conversation around water infrastructure and funding needs is just beginning.

Sunset review of water agencies

See article

Surface and groundwater

See article

Transparency and government operations
See article

Looking aheadThe next significant event in the water space will be the November 7th election to see if voters approve Proposition 6, which creates the Texas Water Fund. Voter approval of this measure will trigger an appropriation of $1 billion to the Fund for distribution through loans and grants to local water and wastewater providers to improve and expand their infrastructure (SJR 75 2023).The full Legislature has a lot of activity on its horizon. Given the Governor’s promises for special sessions and the impeach-ment trial of the Attorney General, there may not be much of an interim before the 89th Legislature convenes in January 2025.

See: https://twj-ojs-tdl.tdl.org/twj/article/view/7167/6505 for article.

18 Aug, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

Republic Services is Searching for a Field Technician for their Environmental Services Division in their Baytown, Texas Office

Yes, it’s true that Republic Services is looking for a Field Technician for their Environmental Services Division in their Baytown, Texas office. Requires two years of experience performing environmental site investigations or a degree in Physical Science or Natural science and one year of experience performing environmental site investigations. Must have experience in soil and groundwater sampling.

Office Location: Houston, Texas

Contact Henry M. Wise, P.G., C.P.G.
Republic Services,
6503 Thompson Road, Baytown, Texas
hwise@republicservices.com

24 Jul, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

President Wise Appoints New Student Councilor-at-Large for the AIPG Texas Chapter

Henry Wise, President of the AIPG Texas Section, announced at a recent AIPG-TX Board meeting that Bailey Hodakievic has been appointed and will be joining the Board as the new Student Councilor-at-Large for the AIPG Texas Chapter. She is a senior at the University of Houston pursing a bachelor degree in geology, and is expected to graduate in July of 2024. She is driven by a strong interest in blending geology with engineering. By melding these disciplines together she hopes to develop solutions that can address environmental challenges we currently face and will continue to do so in the future. Ms. Hodakievic will also serve on the AIPG-TX Board and serve as President of the Texas Statewide Vitual Student Chapter.

Currently, Ms. Hodakievic is an intern with APTIM Environmental and Infrastructure as a part of the Site Assessment and Remediation Division. She has also conducted research analyzing polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in groundwater samples from the Edwards Aquifer, San Antonio, and surface-water samples Guadalupe Rivers under the supervision of a Ph.D. student.

In addition to her interest in developing sustainable infrastructure to account for flooding, drought, and contamination of vital resources, Ms. Hodakievic is also interested in aerospace and currently works as a project investigator and biofilm team lead for a group of graduate and undergraduate students awarded NASA grant funded under the LSPACE program. Through the group’s work in astrobiology and nanofibers research, they aim to reduce biofilm contamination on International Space Station systems.

01 Jul, 2023

By AIPG-TX News

The Wise Report – The Texas Legislature 2023 Session is Over.

The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 25, 2023

The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) has proposed two amendments and approved two others.

Proposed amendment to 22 TAC 851.21; licensing requirements to reflect the changes in TBPG procedures due to the transition to computer based testing for the ASBOG Examinations. For more information go to: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/June232023/Proposed%20Rules/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#24.

Proposed amendment to 22 TAC 851.22: Waivers and Substitutions: Policy, Procedures, and Criteria to edit, at Sunset Committee direction, language that applies to evaluating an applicant’s “Good and ethical character” as a required qualifier for licensure. For more information go to: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/June232023/Proposed%20Rules/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html#25.

The current rule, 22 TAC 851.43; GIT certification period and renewal, allows for GITs to renew their certification yearly for up to eight years, and requires renewals past the eighth year to be granted at the discretion of the appointed Board. This amendment allows for a GIT to renew indefinitely without requiring action by the Appointed Board when all other renewal requirements are met. This rule was posted in the Texas Register on March 17, 2023 for public comment. No public comments were received and it has been adopted.

The TBPG recently received public comment asking that the TBPG clarify its rules on digital signatures, 22 TAC 851.156; professional geoscientist seals. Upon review, the TBPG determined it necessary to include provisions in the rules defining and allowing licensees to use digital signatures to satisfy the signature requirements for electronic geoscience documents. This rule was posted in the Texas Register on March 17, 2023 for public comment. No public comments were received and it has been adopted.

———————————————————————————————————————

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has approved the agency’s Oil and Gas Monitoring Plan for Fiscal Year 2024. The new plan includes goals to accurately demonstrate the Commission ’s oil and gas monitoring and enforcement activities and to strategically use the oil and gas monitoring and enforcement resources. It focuses on developing a framework to describe the totality of oil and gas monitoring and enforcement efforts, beyond inspections and remediation work the agency does, which would include the extensive work that is done involving technical permit monitoring and administrative compliance enforcement.

The RRC’s well plugging program, which has exceeded goals set by the Legislature for six straight years, will continue its prioritization system to extend its successful work plugging orphaned oil and gas wells throughout the state with state funds. This fiscal year the RRC utilized federal grants to add to the number of wells that were plugged. The agency has submitted comments on draft federal guidance on another set of grants that could be utilized next fiscal year.

——————————————————————————————————————–

The Texas Legislature 2023 session is over. I’ve reduced the list to those bills that were sent to the Governor for his signature. New information is in bold. * is signed by the Governor. Of the seven bills that were passed this session only one was vetoed.

*HB 2443, by Cody Harris, Relating to the authority of certain persons to petition a groundwater conservation district to change certain rules. 6/10/2023 Signed by the Governor, effective 9/1/2023. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB2243.

*SB 604, by Zafirini, HB 1915, identical, Relating to land services performed by a landman. 5/24/2023 Signed by the Governor, effective immediately except Section 3 which takes effect 1/1/2024. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB604.

*SB 786, HB 1777 identical, by Birdwell, Blanco, and Zaffirini, Relating to the regulation by the Railroad Commission of Texas of closed-loop geothermal injection wells. “The railroad commission has jurisdiction over closed-loop geothermal injection wells and may issue permits for closed-loop geothermal injection wells, including individual permits, general permits, or permits by rule.” 6/2/2023 Signed by the Governor, effective on 9/1/2023. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB786

*SB 1186, by Hughs, Relating to the regulation by the Railroad Commission of Texas of brine mining. 5/27/2023 Signed by the governor, Effective immediately. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB1186

*SB 1659, by Schwertner, Holland, Keith Bell, Canales, Clardy, and Goldman, HB 1570, Identical, Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process. “APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2033 [2025].” 6/18/2023 Signed by the Governor, effective on 9/1/2023. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB1659

*SB 2196, by Hancock, Schwertner, and Eckhardt, HB 4086 Identical, Relating to the identification and mapping of aggregate production operations by The University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. 5/23/2023 Signed by the Governor, effective on 9/1/2023. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB2196

SB 2379, by Schwertner, Caroline Harris, Relating to the definition of the Edwards Aquifer for the purposes of an aquifer storage and recovery project. 6/16/2023 Vetoed by the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB2379

———————————————————————————————————————

The Texas Legislature is back in session for an additional session. I’m currently checking for bills of general interest to geologists in Texas and will be updating this list as things change. New information is in bold.

HB 11, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 5/30/2023 Filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=881&Bill=HB11.

HB 13, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. “shall meet at least four times a year and select a presiding officer from its membership. (c) The review board shall advise the council about issues related to environmental justice and the action plans developed under Section 428.0107. Sec. 428.0105. STATE PROGRAM REVIEW. (a) The council shall review each state agency and state program that serves to protect the environment to evaluate the agency’s or program’s positive”. 5/30/2023 Filed. For more information go to: Texas Legislature Online – 88(1) History for HB 13.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
6/25/2023

_______________________________________________________

The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 17, 2023

At its open meeting on June 13, 2023, the Railroad Commission proposed amendments to various rules in Chapter 5 relating to Carbon Dioxide. The proposed amendments concern enforcement primacy for the federal Class VI Underground Injection Control program. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until 5:00 pm, Monday, July 31, 2023. For more information on this, or to access the online comment form, please see the Proposed Rules page at:

http://www.rrc.texas.gov/general-counsel/rules/proposed-rules/

———————————————————————————————————————

The Texas Legislature 2023 session is over. I’ve reduced the list to those bills that were sent to the Governor for his signature. New information is in bold. * is signed by the Governor.

*HB 2443, by Cody Harris, Relating to the authority of certain persons to petition a groundwater conservation district to change certain rules. 6/10/2023 Signed by the Governor, effective 9/1/2023. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB2243

SB 1659, by Schwertner, Holland, Keith Bell, Canales, Clardy, and Goldman, HB 1570, Identical, Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process. “APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2033 [2025].” 5/26/2023 Sent to the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB1659

SB 2379, by Schwertner, Caroline Harris, Relating to the definition of the Edwards Aquifer for the purposes of an aquifer storage and recovery project. 6/16/2023 Vetoed by the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB2379

———————————————————————————————————————

The Texas Legislature is back in session for an additional session. I’m currently checking for bills of general interest to geologists in Texas and will be updating this list as things change. New information is in bold.

HB 13, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. “shall meet at least four times a year and select a presiding officer from its membership. (c) The review board shall advise the council about issues related to environmental justice and the action plans developed under Section 428.0107. Sec. 428.0105. STATE PROGRAM REVIEW. (a) The council shall review each state agency and state program that serves to protect the environment to evaluate the agency’s or program’s positive”. 5/30/2023 Filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=881&Bill=HB13.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
6/17/2023

—————————————————————————————————

The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
June 10, 2023

The Texas Legislature 2023 session is over. I’ve reduced the list to those bills that were sent to the Governor for his signature. New information is in bold. * is signed by the Governor.

HB 2443, by Cody Harris, Relating to the authority of certain persons to petition a groundwater conservation district to change certain rules. 5/25/2023 Sent to the Governor For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB2243

*SB 786, HB 1777 identical, by Birdwell, Blanco, and Zaffirini, Relating to the regulation by the Railroad Commission of Texas of closed-loop geothermal injection wells. “The railroad commission has jurisdiction over closed-loop geothermal injection wells and may issue permits for closed-loop geothermal injection wells, including individual permits, general permits, or permits by rule.” 6/2/2023 Signed by the Governor, effective on 9/1/2023. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB786

SB 2379, by Schwertner, Caroline Harris, Relating to the definition of the Edwards Aquifer for the purposes of an aquifer storage and recovery project. 5/23/2023 Sent to the Governor. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB2379

———————————————————————————————————————

HB 11, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council. 5/30/2023 Filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=881&Bill=HB11.

HB 13, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. “shall meet at least four times a year and select a presiding officer from its membership. (c) The review board shall advise the council about issues related to environmental justice and the action plans developed under Section 428.0107. Sec. 428.0105. STATE PROGRAM REVIEW. (a) The council shall review each state agency and state program that serves to protect the environment to evaluate the agency’s or program’s positive”. 5/30/2023 Filed. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=881&Bill=HB13.

Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
6/10/2023