Texas House Bill HB2710

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation of certain aggregate production operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; authorizing an increase in the amount of a fee.

Impact

The regulations stipulated within HB2710 enhance the oversight of aggregate production activities, ensuring that land is restored post-extraction to a condition that is not only environmentally sound but also useful for future purposes as defined by the reclamation plan. This initiative recognizes the importance of maintaining ecological integrity and aims to protect nearby communities from potential environmental hazards stemming from aggregate extraction. The increases in fees associated with the registration of these operations may provide the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with additional resources to enforce these new standards effectively.

Summary

House Bill 2710 aims to enhance the regulation of aggregate production operations within Texas by introducing stricter guidelines concerning reclamation plans. This bill requires any operation within specific parameters—namely those that exceed 10 acres and are located within municipal boundaries or their extraterritorial jurisdiction—to submit detailed reclamation plans as part of their initial and renewal registration applications. Additionally, it specifies that operations must include a performance bond to ensure compliance with these reclamation requirements, embedding financial accountability for adherence to environmental restoration practices.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for municipalities to approve amendments to reclamation plans, which introduces an avenue for local governance to play a role in shaping environmental policy. This aspect could lead to a divergence of opinions among stakeholders; while some may favor local flexibility in accommodating future land uses, others might express concern over the potential dilution of environmental standards if local interests prioritize development over ecological restoration. Ultimately, the success and challenges surrounding HB2710 will depend not only on its implementation but also on how well it balances regulatory control with local autonomy.