Texas House Bill HB2356

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/8/09

Caption

Relating to the filing with the state of well logs by operators of oil-related or gas-related wells; providing a penalty.

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to have a significant impact on the regulation of oil and gas activities in Texas. By streamlining the process for submitting well logs, the bill could improve the accessibility of important geological data for both regulatory bodies and the public. Increased transparency may aid in better resource management and environmental protection by allowing for more informed decisions based on comprehensive well data. Additionally, the bill allows operators to request that their well logs be kept confidential for a certain period, thereby balancing the need for public information with the proprietary interests of drilling operators.

Summary

House Bill 2356 proposes amendments to the Natural Resources Code regarding the filing of well logs by operators of oil-related and gas-related wells in Texas. Specifically, it seeks to modify the definitions related to well logs and establish more precise criteria governing their filing with the Railroad Commission. Under the new provisions, operators must submit a copy of well logs to the commission within 60 days of the completion of any drilling operation. This requirement aims to enhance state oversight of drilling activities and ensure that accurate geological information is consistently reported.

Contention

While HB 2356 aims to establish clarity and efficiency in regulatory practices, there may be points of contention regarding the confidentiality provisions. Critics could argue that allowing well logs to remain confidential could impede public access to vital information necessary for monitoring environmental impacts and resource management. This aspect of the bill necessitates careful scrutiny to ensure that it strikes an appropriate balance between protecting proprietary information and maintaining public transparency in oil and gas operations.