Relating to the regulation of the practice of engineering by individuals engaged in the evaluation of oil and gas resources.
Impact
The introduction of HB2067 will modify the existing laws under the Texas Occupations Code, particularly allowing greater flexibility for licensed engineers from other states to perform specialized evaluations of oil and gas resources in Texas. This change aims to enhance the state's ability to incorporate expertise from outside Texas while also promoting oil and gas resource development. Supporters argue that this will lead to better economic evaluations and potentially increase operational efficiencies within the industry, which is crucial for Texas's economic landscape.
Summary
House Bill 2067 addresses the regulation of engineering practices specifically tied to the evaluation of oil and gas resources in Texas. The bill seeks to clarify the parameters under which out-of-state engineers can conduct evaluations without adhering to the Texas engineering regulations as long as their work does not pose risks to public health or safety. The bill includes provisions for defining what constitutes the evaluation of oil and gas resources, such as quantification of reserves, production forecasts, and economic impacts of these forecasts.
Contention
While the bill is generally viewed as a positive step towards modernizing engineering practices concerning oil and gas, it may raise concerns related to oversight and accountability. There are fears that by exempting out-of-state engineers from certain regulations, the bill could lead to inconsistencies in engineering standards and practices. Opponents may argue that such exemptions could impact public safety and the integrity of engineering evaluations, thus prompting a debate on the balance between economic development and regulatory oversight.
Relating to the ownership of and certain insurance policy provisions regarding the geothermal energy and associated resources below the surface of land.