Texas House Bill HB2891

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/14/25

Caption

Relating to the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas; increasing criminal penalties.

Impact

The implications of HB 2891 are significant as it modifies existing laws under the Natural Resources Code to impose harsher penalties on entities failing to comply with the Railroad Commission’s directives. By setting higher standards for fines and detailing factors that influence penalty severity—including the seriousness of the violation and its potential hazard to public health—this bill seeks to cultivate a safer and more responsible operational environment in sectors mandated by the Railroad Commission. Violations will now be assessed with more stringent criteria, which may affect enforcement practices and compliance strategies among those regulated by the Commission.

Summary

House Bill 2891 aims to enhance the regulatory framework governing violations related to statutes, rules, and permits under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas. The bill proposes to increase the maximum penalties allowed for various violations. For instance, violations that do not pertain to pipeline safety could see penalties of up to $25,000 a day, while those related to pipeline safety could go as high as $200,000 a day. This substantial increase in penalties reflects an escalation in the state's commitment to ensuring compliance within the industry and could serve to deter future infractions.

Contention

Notably, the bill could generate debate among stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. Proponents may argue that increasing penalties is necessary to enforce compliance and reduce risks associated with energy production, which often carries implications for public safety and environmental health. However, opponents might express concerns regarding the feasibility of compliance for smaller operators, suggesting that elevated penalties could disincentivize participation in the industry or impose excessive burdens on businesses striving to meet regulatory requirements. The discussions around the bill will likely explore whether the penalties are proportionate to the violations and sustainable for those affected.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Natural Resources Code

• Chapter 81. Railroad Commission Of Texas
  • Section: 0531
  • Section: 058

• Chapter 91. Provisions Generally Applicable
  • Section: New Section

Water Code

• Chapter 27. Injection Wells
  • Section: 101
  • Section: 1011
  • Section: 105