Texas House Bill HB1796

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/7/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/2/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the development of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration in this state.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1796 is expected to have significant implications on state laws regarding environmental regulation and carbon management. By providing a legal and regulatory framework for the storage of carbon dioxide, the bill supports Texas's commitment to addressing climate change impacts and aligns with federal standards as outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency. It allows for the acceptance of CO2 for storage and the establishment of fees associated with the storage services, thereby potentially creating a revenue stream related to carbon credits for the state.

Summary

House Bill 1796 introduces a framework for the offshore geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the state of Texas. The bill amends Chapter 382 of the Health and Safety Code, establishing regulations that govern the development and operation of CO2 repositories. It outlines the roles of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin, which will oversee the establishment of these carbon dioxide repositories. The bill's primary goal is to facilitate carbon capture and storage as a strategy to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Contention

Notably, there are potential points of contention surrounding HB 1796, particularly regarding environmental concerns associated with the offshore storage of CO2. Critics might argue that the regulations do not sufficiently address the risks of leakage or contamination of marine environments. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the adequacy of monitoring and verification processes established in the bill to ensure the long-term safety of stored CO2. Ensuring rigorous standards for measurement and accountability will be crucial to addressing public concerns about the environmental safety of such projects.