By: Davis S.B. No. 1633
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the adoption of rules by the Railroad Commission of
Texas regulating the exploration for and production of natural gas
in the unincorporated areas of certain counties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 86, Natural Resources
Code, is amended by adding Section 86.044 to read as follows:
Sec. 86.044. RULES RELATING TO EXPLORATION FOR AND
PRODUCTION OF GAS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF CERTAIN COUNTIES.
(a) The commission shall adopt rules relating to the exploration
for and production of gas in the unincorporated areas of counties
that are located wholly or partly above a hydrocarbon-producing
geological formation that underlies all or part of two counties:
(1) that are adjacent to one another; and
(2) each of which has a population of more than 1.4
million.
(b) Rules adopted under this section must promote gas
exploration production while securing the existing economic
interests, including property values and development plans along
with the quality of life in the unincorporated areas of the counties
described by Subsection (a) by addressing:
(1) unique and heightened standards for the benefit of
and protection of existing residences, religious institutions,
schools, hospitals and public parks;
(2) protective requirements related to noise,
lighting, water discharge, road damage, production traffic routing
and congestion, and impacts or damage to water wells resulting from
drilling or production operations; and
(3) the proximity and setback of gas wells, disposal
facilities, compressor stations, gas treatment facilities and
above ground storage tanks;
(4) pipeline placement and alignment;
(5) vapor recovery and reduced emission completions.
(c) In adopting rules under this section, the commission
shall consider ordinances adopted by municipalities in counties
described by Subsection (a).
SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2011, the Railroad
Commission of Texas shall adopt rules as required by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.