Texas House Bill HB1804

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to public comments on matters subject to a hearing under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Impact

The amendments introduced by HB 1804 require that the chief clerk of the commission communicate the executive director's responses to public comments to all relevant parties, including applicants and commenters. This change is expected to foster greater accountability by ensuring that public input is not only collected but also considered in the decision-making process. Furthermore, the bill specifies that it applies to permit applications filed on or after the effective date, which emphasizes its forward-looking approach in governance regarding environmental quality.

Summary

House Bill 1804 amends Section 5.555 of the Water Code, specifically addressing the process of public comments on matters that are subject to hearings under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The bill delineates the responsibilities of the executive director and the commission regarding public comments made during the permit application process. This amendment aims to enhance the transparency and responsiveness of the commission when dealing with public comments, ultimately allowing for better consideration of community input in environmental matters.

Contention

Though the text does not detail contentious points, one can anticipate potential debates surrounding the efficacy of public comments in influencing commission outcomes. Stakeholders may have differing views on how effectively public input is integrated into permitting decisions, especially as this could intersect with economic development interests where environmental regulations are concerned. Local communities advocating for environmental protections may support the bill, while industry representatives might have concerns about the implications of broader engagement in the permitting process.