Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Natural Resources Committee May 14th, 2025

Meeting Video(s)

TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

The meeting included a robust discussion on several bills aimed at addressing regulatory issues in the state. Key among these was House Bill 4384, presented by Representative Darby, which focuses on alleviating financial burdens caused by regulatory lag for natural gas utilities. The bill seeks to allow temporary deferral of costs related to new infrastructure, and public testimonies highlighted a significant division in opinion, with some stakeholders arguing it would increase costs for consumers without adequate oversight. The committee members engaged actively with the testimonies, indicating a comprehensive review of the implications of the bill. House Bill 2663 was also introduced, aimed at preventing wildfires through better oversight of outdated electrical infrastructure at inactive oil and gas well sites, emphasizing the need for removed or de-energized equipment to avoid future incidents. Additionally, several other bills like HB1237 and HB3071 were discussed, with the latter addressing the cancellation of inactive landfill permits to reflect current land use and community development. The overall tone of the meeting was collaborative, with members expressing gratitude for professionalism despite some disagreements on policy details. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending for further discussion before moving to votes in subsequent sessions.

Bills on the Agenda

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Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1237

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of House Committee
5/1/25  
Voted on by House
5/7/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/15/25  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the renewal by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of certain expired occupational licenses and registrations.
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Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2663

Filed
2/11/25  
Out of House Committee
4/4/25  
Voted on by House
5/6/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/15/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/19/25  
Governor Action
5/29/25  
Relating to the affirmation required to be made by an operator as part of an application to the Railroad Commission of Texas for an extension of the deadline for plugging an inactive well; providing an administrative penalty.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3071

Filed
2/20/25  
Out of House Committee
5/2/25  
Voted on by House
5/8/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/22/25  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to cancellation of certain solid waste disposal permits issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4384

Filed
3/11/25  
Out of House Committee
4/22/25  
Voted on by House
5/8/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/15/25  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the recovery of certain costs associated with a gas utility's plant, facilities, or equipment placed in service.