Texas Senate Bill SB957

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the procedure for action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on applications for certain environmental permits.

Impact

The legislative changes proposed in SB957 would specifically impact the administrative mechanisms of the TCEQ, thereby shaping how environmental permits are processed, especially for critical areas like water quality and waste management. The bill outlines clear obligations for stakeholders to raise relevant issues during the public comment period to ensure their considerations are recorded. Furthermore, it limits the scope of issues that can be contested, which may tighten the opportunities for public intervention in the permitting process.

Summary

Senate Bill 957 focuses on amending the procedures for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding applications for certain environmental permits. The intent is to enhance stability and certainty within environmental regulatory processes while ensuring that public health and environmental protections remain a priority. This bill introduces specific procedural changes to how contested case hearings are conducted and streamlines the process for managing permit applications to reduce delays and improve efficiency.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB957 is the balance between the need for efficient permit processing and the public's right to contest permits that may pose environmental risks. Critics may argue that by constraining the scope of contested case hearings, the bill undermines transparency and diminishes the public’s ability to participate effectively in environmental governance. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that such measures will reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and streamline necessary developments while maintaining adequate protections for the environment.