Texas House Bill HB2122

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the review of solid waste facility permits.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance oversight over municipal solid waste facilities by ensuring that permits can be re-evaluated when necessary. The approach seeks to address concerns regarding compliance and community impact by allowing local representatives to request reviews based on documented issues. This provision could lead to stricter enforcement actions for facilities that have historically neglected regulatory frameworks, thus promoting improved environmental and public health outcomes across affected areas.

Summary

House Bill 2122 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish a review process for permits issued to municipal solid waste facilities. The bill stipulates that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must review certain permits in response to requests from local lawmakers or county commissioners if compliance issues have been documented. Specifically, if violations of permit conditions show a recurring pattern over the previous five years, a mandatory review will be triggered to assess the facility's compliance and operational history.

Contention

There are concerns surrounding the implications of HB2122 for existing facilities that have long operated under previously granted permits. Opponents argue that the increased regulatory scrutiny may stifle local business activities, create uncertainty for facility operators, and potentially discourage investment in waste management infrastructure due to fears of heightened scrutiny. Proponents, however, emphasize that the bill's intent is not to eliminate facilities but rather to ensure accountability and protect community interests through more active regulatory oversight.