Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB711

Caption

Relating to performance standards for certain aboveground storage tanks.

Impact

The provisions of HB 711 signify a proactive approach to environmental regulation in Texas. By requiring the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to adopt specific performance standards for existing and new aboveground storage tanks, the bill seeks to mitigate risks associated with hazardous substances that could contaminate vital water resources. Additionally, the bill aims to provide enough time for existing tanks to conform to these new standards, ensuring a phased approach to implementation while maintaining accountability for environmental protection.

Summary

House Bill 711 introduces amendments to the Texas Water Code that establish performance standards specifically for aboveground storage tanks, particularly those located at petrochemical facilities, petroleum refineries, electric generating facilities, or bulk facilities. This bill is designed to maintain and protect the quality of groundwater and surface water resources from potential pollutants emitted by these storage tanks during various emergency scenarios such as accidents, fires, floods, and hurricanes. The legislature aims to enhance safety measures and environmental protection by mandating compliance with newly defined standards for these tanks.

Contention

While the bill's focus on environmental safety is broadly supported, there may be notable discussions surrounding the specifics of performance standards and the exemption clauses for certain tanks categorized as low risk. Stakeholders, potentially including environmental advocacy groups and industry representatives, might contend the balance between regulation and operational feasibility for businesses. The provisions allowing flexibility for tanks with fewer hazards could lead to debates on whether these exemptions adequately protect the environment or create loopholes that counteract the bill's intended purpose.

Companion Bills

TX SB126

Same As Relating to performance standards for certain aboveground storage tanks.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1530

Relating to reporting the blast radius information for aboveground storage tanks.

TX HB3982

Relating to notice and safety requirements applicable to certain LP-Gas containers.

TX HB3894

Relating to an exemption from sales and use taxes for battery energy storage systems.

TX HB4514

Relating to public school accountability, including the assessment of academic performance, and district and campus performance standards and sanctions.

TX HB4691

Relating to public school accountability, including performance standards and sanctions and public high school graduation requirements.

TX HB3599

Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for, and registration fees for motor vehicles owned by, certain nonprofit food banks.

TX SB330

Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities.

TX HB3506

Relating to the storage in and removal from certain DNA databases of certain DNA samples.

TX HB4129

Relating to prohibiting certain erotic performances; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a civil penalty.

TX HB4484

Relating to the ownership of the pore space underlying the surface of land and to the use of that space for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

TX SB900

Relating to the safety of storage vessels.

TX HB2780

Relating to the safety of aboveground storage tanks.

TX SB126

Relating to performance standards for certain aboveground storage tanks.

ND HB1058

The department of environmental quality and tank registration fees; and to provide a penalty.

VA HB949

Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans; reporting of substance discharge, etc.

CA AB619

Sierra Lakes County Water District.

VA HB899

Aboveground storage tanks; regulation of tanks.

WV HB4083

Altering the definition of an above ground storage tank