Texas Senate Bill SB752

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/21/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/7/09

Caption

Relating to a restriction on the formation in which certain commercial disposal wells permitted by the Railroad Commission of Texas may inject oil and gas waste.

Impact

The impact of SB752 on state laws is significant, as it redefines the relationship between local governance and state regulatory bodies concerning environmental permits. By empowering local jurisdictions to assert their concerns related to water safety, the bill can prevent potentially harmful activities that could affect water quality. This can lead to heightened ecological protection and empower communities to have a greater say in the management of their natural resources, especially in areas vulnerable to contamination from oil and gas operations.

Summary

SB752 aims to enhance the authority of local governments in Texas regarding the regulation of disposal wells used for the injection of oil and gas waste. Specifically, the bill mandates that if a local government determines that a formation or stratum is unsuitable for disposal due to its proximity to a water table, it can prohibit the Railroad Commission of Texas or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from issuing a permit for such a well. This shift seeks to ensure better environmental safeguards in protecting freshwater resources from potential contamination due to underground disposal activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB752 include the balance between local governance and state authority. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards protecting community health and the environment by allowing those closest to the potential impact to make crucial regulatory decisions. Meanwhile, opponents may argue that this policy could create inconsistencies in regulatory standards across Texas, complicating the legal framework and potentially stifling the oil and gas industry. These opposing views highlight the ongoing debate about local versus state control in environmental regulation.