Relating to standards and procedures for determining whether a person who owns, operates, or manages a pipeline is a common carrier; authorizing a fee.
Impact
The impact of HB 3547 extends to the regulation of pipelines and the authorities granted to the owners, operators, and managers of such entities. By establishing clearer criteria for classifying common carriers, the bill seeks to standardize the procedures involved, particularly concerning the exercise of eminent domain to construct pipelines. This could streamline the approvals for new pipelines while ensuring that the operations fall within clear regulatory frameworks, thus potentially reducing disputes over pipeline operations and their implications for property owners.
Summary
House Bill 3547 establishes new standards and procedures for determining if a person who owns, operates, or manages a pipeline qualifies as a common carrier in Texas. The legislation aims to clarify the definitions surrounding common carrier status, particularly for pipelines transporting petroleum, coal, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. It mandates that a common carrier must have at least 33 percent of its pipeline capacity utilized for transporting substances for persons other than corporate affiliates of the carrier. This distinction is significant in the context of regulating pipeline operations and ensuring accountability in transportation practices.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 3547 may center on the power of eminent domain and its implications for landowners. Critics may argue that determining common carrier status under the new criteria could favor large corporations while sidelining smaller operators or local interests. Additionally, the introduction of regulatory fees for common carrier determinations raises concerns about financial barriers that smaller operators could face when attempting to enter the market or establish pipeline operations. As the bill moves forward, discussions around its implications for local communities and property rights are expected.
Relating to the issuance of a permit by the Public Utility Commission of Texas for the routing of certain oil or gas pipelines; authorizing administrative penalties.
Relating to the ownership of the pore space underlying the surface of land and to the use of that space for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the consideration of ownership interests of certain persons in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.
Relating to the consideration of ownership interests of certain persons in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.
Relating to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas over and a study of the upstream production, pipeline transportation, and storage of hydrogen.
Relating to the consideration of ownership interests of certain persons with a disability in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.
Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
Relating to the creation of the Dallas Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
Relating to requiring a person convicted of an offense involving family violence or a person who is the subject of a protective order to surrender firearms owned by the person; authorizing a fee.
Allows certain caregivers of person with intellectual disability to make use of reserved parking zones when transporting person with intellectual disability.
Allows certain caregivers of person with intellectual disability to make use of reserved parking zones when transporting person with intellectual disability.
Relating to remedies for nonpayment of tolls of Texas Department of Transportation toll projects; authorizing a fee and certain investigative and court costs.
Imposes additional annual registration fee for electric vehicles; reduces rate of highway fuel taxes; authorizes DOT to conduct alternative revenue feasibility study.
Imposes additional annual registration fee for electric vehicles; reduces rate of highway fuel taxes; authorizes DOT to conduct alternative revenue feasibility study.
Provides temporary one-year extension of service life of school buses for 2022-2023 school year; authorizes chief administrator to allow one-year extension in subsequent two school years.