The Wise Report
The State Legislature is now in session and bills are being filed and worked on. New information is listed in bold (34 new bills listed):
HB 223, by Reynolds, Relating to the funding through greenhouse gas emissions fees of energy efficiency programs administered by certain utilities; authorizing a fee. Referred to State Affairs, 2/19/2019. For more information go to: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB223
HB 225, 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. Regulates fugitive emissions from all oil field equipment, the use of venting and flaring, etc. Referred to Environmental Regulation, 2/19/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB225
HB 245, by Farrar, Relating to a requirement to make certain environmental and water use permit applications available online. “The applicant shall post a copy of the application on a publicly accessible Internet website and provide to the commission the address of that website.” Referred to Environmental Regulation, 2/19/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB245
HB 478, by Phelan, Relating to the funding of flood planning, mitigation, and infrastructure projects. Left pending in committee, 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB478
HB 481, by Kuempel, identical to SB 520, Relating to the storage and recovery of water in a portion of the Edwards Aquifer. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/20/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB481
HB 720, by Larson, Relating to appropriations of water for use in aquifer storage and recovery projects. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/20/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB720
HB 721, by Larson, Relating to the duty of the Texas Water Development Board to conduct studies of and prepare and submit reports on aquifer storage and recovery. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/21/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB721
HB 722, by Larson, Relating to the development of brackish groundwater. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/21/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB722
HB 723, by Larson, similar to SB 724, Relating to a requirement that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality obtain or develop updated water availability models for certain river basins. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/21/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB723
HB 724, by Larson, Relating to the authorization by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of the discharge, diversion, and transfer or other reuse of treated brackish groundwater and return flows derived from treated brackish groundwater. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/21/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB724
HB 726, by Larson, Relating to the regulation of groundwater. No action taken in committee, 3/53/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB726
HB 801, by Walle, identical to SB 179. Relating to the establishment of a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on flood control infrastructure for Harris County. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB801
HB 807, by Larson, Relating to the state and regional water planning process. Scheduled for public Hearing on 3/12/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB807
HB 817, by Tracy O. King, identical to SB 655. Relating to a restriction on permits authorizing direct discharges of waste or pollutants into water in certain areas of the Edwards Aquifer. Scheduled for public Hearing on 3/12/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB817
HB 893, 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.” Referred to environmental Regulaton, 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB893
HB 907, by Huberty, identical to SB 2123, Relating to the penalty for failure to register certain aggregate production operations with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Fines will double. Referred to Environmental Regulation 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB907
HB 908, by Huberty, identical to SB 2125, Relating to the regulation of aggregate production operation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; increasing an administrative penalty. Referred to Environmental Regulation 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB908
HB 909, by Huberty, identical to SB 2124, Relating to best management practices for aggregate production operations. Referred to Environmental Regulation, 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB909
HB 928, by Anchia, Goodwin, Zwiener, Israel, Relating to establishing the Texas Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of climate change in this state. Sets up who’s on the Commission. Interestingly, the TCEQ nor geologists are listed, although the TCEQ could be brought in, as needed, and a geologist could be chosen by one of the various groups listed. Referred to Environmental Regulation, 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB928
HB 942, by Anchia, Goodwin, Zwiener, Cole, Chris Turner, Relating to the creation and duties of the Global Climate Change Commission. Referred to Environmental Regulations, 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB942
HB 944, by Dutton, Relating to the posting of notice of intent to obtain a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at the site of the facility or proposed facility for which the permit is sought. Referred to Environmental Regulation, 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB944
HB 990, by Gutierrez, identical to SB 515, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the effects of the construction of a border wall on storm drainage and other environmental matters in this state. They will conduct a study on the effects of a border wall on storm drainage, water quality, environmental contamination, flooding, etc. Referred to Environmental Regulation, 2/25/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB990
HB 1010, by Paul, Relating to state and regional flood planning. By 9/1/2021, and before the end of each successive five-year period after that date the board shall prepare and adopt a state flood plan. Referred to Natural Resources, 2/26/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1010
HB 1044, by Zweiner, Nevarez, Oliverson, identical to SB 483, Relating to permits for certain injection wells that transect a portion of the Edwards Aquifer. For Williamson and Northern Travis counties. Left Pending in Committee, 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1044
HB 1311, by Senfronia Thompson, identical to SB 609, Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Scheduled for Public Hearing on 3/12/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1311
HB 1491, by Reynolds, Relating to the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Referred to Environmental Regulation, 2/27/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1491
HB 1594, by Shine, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of groundwater availability in certain counties. Referred to Natural Resources, 3/4/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1594
HB 1617, by Larson, identical to SB 1041, Relating to the deadline by which the Texas Water Development Board is required to identify and designate brackish groundwater production zones for certain areas of the state. “Not later than December 1, 2032, the Texas Water Development Board shall identify and designate brackish groundwater production zones for areas of this state not described by Subsection (a) of this section.” Scheduled for public Hearing on 3/12/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1617
HB 1868, by Lozano, Relating to the creation of the Texas Rural Water Advisory Council. Referred to Agriculture & Livestock, 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1868
HB 1904, by Larson, identical to SB 881, Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. Scheduled for public Hearing on 3/12/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1904
HB 1980, by Reynolds, Relating to the creation of the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council.. Referred to Environmental Regulation, 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB1980
HB 2098, by Nevarez, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the effects of the construction of a border wall on water quality in this state. Referred to Environmental Regulaton, 3/6/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2098
HB 2203, by Miller, Zerwas, Reynolds, Stephenson, identical to SB 1885, Relating to notice of a radioactive substance release. “Notwithstanding Subchapter H, Chapter 418, Government Code, or any other law requiring confidentiality, a person who accidentally other law requiring confidentiality, a person who accidentally which the substance was released.” Referred to Environmental Regulation, 3/6/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2203
HB 2238, by Hefner, identical to SB 978, Relating to a study of the feasibility of converting quarries and surface mine pits for use as water storage reservoirs to enhance this state’s available water supply. Referred to House Administration, 3/6/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2238
HB 2710, by Murr, identical to SB 2278, Relating to the regulation of certain aggregate production operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; authorizing an increase in the amount of a fee. Filed 2/28/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2710
HB 2771, by Lonzano, identical to SB 1585, Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue permits for the discharge into water of this state of produced water, hydrostatic test water, and gas plant effluent resulting from certain oil and gas activities. Filed 2/28/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2771
HB 2871, by Biedermann, Relating to the regulation of certain aggregate production operations by the Railroad Commission of Texas; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. Filed 3/4/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2871
HB 2942, by Guillen, Relating to the adoption and enforcement of reclamation standards for certain sand mining operations; authorizing a fee. Filed 3/4/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2942
HB 3023, by Mary Gonzalez, Relating to a study by Texas A&M University on the expected effects of future climate change in this state and the preparedness of this state to address those effects. Filed 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3023
HB 3264, by Buckley, identical to SB 1726, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of groundwater conditions in certain counties. Filed 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3264
HB 3324, by Zweiner, Relating to groundwater impact contingency planning by pipeline operators. Filed 3/6/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3324
HB 3717, by Dominguez, identical to SB 1999, Relating to notice of a radioactive substance release. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3717
HB 3770, by Raymond, identical to SB 1496, Relating to a pilot project conducted by the Texas Water Development Board regarding the real-time monitoring of the inundation and water quality of certain portions of the Rio Grande. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3770
HB 3798, by Biedermann, Relating to the regulation of and permit requirements for certain facilities that extract, produce, or process aggregates and of related facilities by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Railroad Commission of Texas; providing administrative penalties and other civil remedies; creating criminal offenses. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3798
HB 3805, by Paul, identical to SB 2394, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3805
HB 3815, by Morrison, duplicate of HB 3839, identical to SB 1220, Relating to requiring notices of property located in floodplains, flood pools, or reservoirs to be provided by sellers of real property and on subdivision plats. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3815
HB 3816, by Morrison, identical to SB 2387, Relating to the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3816
HB 3839, by Murphy, duplicate of HB 3815, identical to SB 1220, Relating to requiring notices of property located in floodplains, flood pools, or reservoirs to be provided by sellers of real property and on subdivision plats. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3839
HB 4380, by Herrero, Relating to the creation of the Environmental Task Force Advisory Committee. A geologist is not part of this Task Force Committee but an environmental engineer is. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB4380
HB 4570, by Larson, Relating to establishing an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB4570
HB 4599, by Blanco, Relating to the establishment and implementation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of a program to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases in this state; authorizing a fee. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB4599
SB 179, by Miles, identical to HB 801, Relating to the establishment of a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on flood control infrastructure for Harris County. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs 2/1/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB179
SB 185, by Miles, Relating to the response to certain oil or gas well accidents by state agencies and responsible parties. An operator of an oil or gas well shall give immediate notice of a fire, leak, spill, or break at the well to the appropriate commission oil and gas division district office and submit to the commission a letter giving a full description of the event, including the volume of crude oil, gas, or other well liquids or gases lost. Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development 2/1/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB185
SB 483, by Campbell and Zaffirini, identical to HB 1044, Relating to permits for certain injection wells that transect a portion of the Edwards Aquifer. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs 2/14/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB483
SB 515, by Rodriguez, identical to HB 990, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the effects of the construction of a border wall on storm drainage and other environmental matters in this state. They will conduct a study on the effects of a border wall on storm drainage, water quality, environmental contamination, flooding, etc. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs 2/14/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB515
SB 520, by Campbell and Zaffirini, identical to HB 481, Relating to the storage and recovery of water in a portion of the Edwards Aquifer. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs 2/14/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB520
SB 609, by Watson, Birdwell, Buckingham, and Nichols, identical to HB 1311, Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists. Referred to Business & Commerce, 2/21/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB609
SB 655, by Flores, identical to HB 817, Relating to a restriction on permits authorizing direct discharges of waste or pollutants into water in certain areas of the Edwards Aquifer. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs, 3/1/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB655
SB 694, by Campbell, Relating to the regulation of aggregate production operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; increasing a fee; increasing administrative penalties. Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development 3/1/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB694
SB 724, by Perry, similar to HB 723, Relating to a requirement that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality obtain or develop updated water availability models for certain river basins. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs, 3/1/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB724
SB 881, by Campbell, identical to HB 1904, Relating to withdrawals of water from the Edwards Aquifer to supply a military installation. Referred to Veteran Affairs & Border Security, 3/1/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB881
SB 978, by Hughes, identical to HB 2238, Relating to a study of the feasibility of converting quarries and surface mine pits for use as water storage reservoirs to enhance this state’s available water supply. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs, 3/1/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB978
SB 1041, by Taylor, identical to HB 1617, Relating to the deadline by which the Texas Water Development Board is required to identify and designate brackish groundwater production zones for certain areas of the state. The new date is 12/1/2032. Referred to Water & Rural Affairs, 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1041
SB 1220, by Bettencourt, Hinojosa, Kolkhorst, Lucio, identical to HB 3815 and 3839, Relating to requiring notices of property located in floodplains, flood pools, or reservoirs to be provided by sellers of real property and on subdivision plats. Referred to Business & Commerce, 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1220
SB 1496, by Zaffirini, identical to HB 3770, Relating to a pilot project conducted by the Texas Water Development Board regarding the real-time monitoring of the inundation and water quality of certain portions of the Rio Grande. Filed 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1496
SB 1585, by Hughes, identical to HB 2771, Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue permits for the discharge into water of this state of produced water, hydrostatic test water, and gas plant effluent resulting from certain oil and gas activities. Filed 3/5/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1585
SB 1696, by Campbell, Relating to the regulation of aggregate production operations; requiring a permit; authorizing a fee. Filed 3/6/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1696
SB 1726, by Buckingham, identical to HB 3264, Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of groundwater conditions in certain counties. Filed 3/6/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1726
SB 1885, by Kolkhorst, identical to HB 2203, Relating to notice of a radioactive substance release. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1885
SB 1999, by Hinojosa, identical to HB 3717, Relating to an oil and gas production tax credit for oil and gas producers that provide treated produced water to aquifer storage and recovery project operators. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB1999
SB 2064, by Menendez, Relating to methane gas reduction by The University of Texas System. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2064
SB 2123, by Creighton, Buckingham, identical to HB 907, Relating to the penalty for failure to register certain aggregate production operations with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2123
SB 2124, by Creighton, Buckingham, identical to HB 908, Relating to best management practices for aggregate production operations. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2124
SB 2125, by Creighton, Buckingham, identical to HB 909, Relating to the regulation of aggregate production operation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; increasing an administrative penalty. Filed 3/7/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2125
SB 2155, by Zaffirini, Relating to the retention of soil samples and records related to a permit for a municipal solid waste facility issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; creating an administrative penalty. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2155
SB 2278, by Buckingham, identical to HB 2710, Relating to the regulation of certain aggregate production operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; authorizing an increase in the amount of a fee. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2278
SB 2385, by Miles, Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2385
SB 2387, by Powell, identical to HB 3816, Relating to the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2387
SB 2394, by Taylor, identical to HB 3805, Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills. Filed 3/8/2019. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB2394