Texas Senate Bill SB1156

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement of a public hearing on certain applications for a permit to drill an oil or gas well.

Impact

By enforcing this requirement, SB1156 is set to enhance state regulations concerning the oil and gas industry's drilling activities. The necessity of public hearings indicates a shift toward greater accountability and public involvement in decisions that impact community health and safety. While the bill does not remove local governments' authority to establish their own drilling ordinances, it does place additional conditions on state permissions, bolstering the role of public opinion in such matters.

Summary

SB1156 seeks to mandate a public hearing for certain applications for permits to drill oil and gas wells, particularly when the proposed site is in proximity to educational facilities and child-care centers. Specifically, the bill requires application submissions to indicate their distance from these sensitive establishments—namely, within 1,500 feet. This legislative measure is aimed at increasing transparency and gathering community input on projects that could potentially affect the welfare of children and students in nearby facilities.

Contention

There are likely to be points of contention surrounding SB1156, primarily among stakeholders in the oil and gas industry who may view the requirement for public hearings as an unnecessary hurdle to business operations. Supporters of the bill argue that it represents a vital step in protecting public safety and giving communities a voice regarding environmental impacts. Critics may challenge the effectiveness of public hearings, questioning whether they genuinely lead to significant changes in decision-making processes or merely serve as a procedural formality.