Texas House Bill HB893

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks.

Impact

The enactment of HB 893 will directly influence how environmental remediation benchmarks are developed, ensuring that the carcinogenic risk levels are capped to more stringent thresholds. By limiting the acceptable risk level, the bill is expected to compel the TCEQ to adopt more rigorous rules and regulations in their remediation processes. This approach potentially safeguards communities from exposure to hazardous materials that pose significant health risks, thereby fostering a cleaner and safer environment.

Summary

House Bill 893 aims to amend the Health and Safety Code of Texas, specifically targeting the carcinogenic risk levels set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in the establishment of environmental remediation benchmarks. The bill stipulates that any carcinogenic risk level set by the commission for the development of protective concentration levels or risk-based exposure limits cannot exceed a rate of one in one million. This legislative change seeks to enhance public health protections by establishing stricter standards for environmental remediation efforts concerning carcinogenic substances.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 893 include the implications of heightened regulatory standards on businesses and industries that may be subject to these environmental remediation requirements. Supporters of the bill argue that the enhanced protection is essential for public health, particularly for vulnerable populations who may be disproportionately affected by cancer-causing agents. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the economic impacts of stricter regulations on industry operations and the potential for increased costs of compliance, which could be passed down to consumers.