Texas House Bill HB3001

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the information that an operator of a well on which a hydraulic fracturing treatment is performed is required to disclose.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3001 would significantly impact state laws regarding well operations and environmental protections. By requiring full disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and the water utilized in these processes, the bill aims to equip regulators and the public with essential information about the potential environmental risks associated with these treatments. The provisions set out in the bill would apply specifically to new drilling permits issued after the effective date, thereby not retroactively affecting existing operations. This distinction may impact how existing operators approach compliance and reporting in the future.

Summary

House Bill 3001 aims to enhance the disclosure requirements for operators conducting hydraulic fracturing treatments on wells in Texas. The bill requires that these operators disclose detailed information regarding the water used in the hydraulic fracturing process, including its source, composition, and volume. Additionally, the bill mandates the reporting of each chemical ingredient used in the treatment, ensuring that this information is accessible via a public website maintained by the relevant commission. This measure is intended to promote transparency within the oil and gas industry, especially regarding the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing practices.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 3001. Proponents of the bill argue that increased disclosure is pivotal for safeguarding public health and the environment, especially in regions where hydraulic fracturing is prevalent. They assert that transparency will lead to more informed community decisions and better regulatory oversight. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the implications of disclosing trade secrets, arguing that the bill could compromise proprietary information critical to service companies and operators. They fear that this level of disclosure may deter investment in the sector or lead to misuse of sensitive information.

Implementation

Furthermore, HB 3001 calls for the Railroad Commission of Texas to establish rules for implementing these disclosure requirements by a specified deadline. The bill presents a structured approach to reporting and addresses potential challenges in how trade secrets are handled within the disclosures. By restricting claims of trade secret protection to specified stakeholders, such as landowners and state agencies, the bill seeks to balance corporate confidentiality with the public's right to information regarding potential environmental impacts.