Texas Senate Bill SB868

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the amount of certain industrial solid waste authorized to be accepted by a municipal solid waste facility.

Impact

The bill could significantly impact state laws regarding waste management and environmental protection. If enacted, municipal solid waste facilities will have limitations imposed on the types and quantities of industrial waste they can accept. Furthermore, it allows the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to authorize permit amendments in cases where there is insufficient disposal capacity for Class I industrial solid waste, potentially increasing its acceptance limit to 50 percent under certain conditions. This provision highlights the balance between regulatory measures and ensuring adequate waste management capacity.

Summary

SB868 aims to regulate the amount of Class I industrial solid waste that can be accepted by municipal solid waste facilities in Texas. The bill proposes a limit where such facilities may only accept up to 20 percent of Class I industrial solid waste relative to the total amount of non-Class I industrial solid waste accepted during the current and preceding calendar years. This regulation is applicable only to facilities permitted after October 9, 1993. The aim of this legislation is to create a controlled framework surrounding the management of industrial waste, thereby addressing concerns about environmental sustainability.

Contention

Discussions around SB868 may center on the implications of limiting waste acceptance at the municipal level. While supporters may argue that these restrictions could lead to better environmental outcomes and waste management practices, opponents might raise concerns about local capacity and operational implications for waste facilities. Some stakeholders may view the bill as a necessary step towards more stringent environmental regulations, while others might argue that it could hinder the flexibility needed by facilities to manage various waste types effectively.