Texas House Bill HR2853

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Urging the U.S. Department of the Interior to withdraw the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's proposed rule to regulate hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands.

Impact

Should this resolution be recognized, it would reinforce the state's position that local and regional differences in oil and natural gas operations should be addressed through state regulation rather than a uniform federal approach. The bill highlights that the interventions by the federal government could increase operational costs for local energy producers and deter investment by shifting attention away from federally controlled lands. This legislation speaks to the broader implications for local economies that depend on oil and gas production and the potential for diminished royalty revenues as activities shift away from federal territories.

Summary

HR2853 urges the U.S. Department of the Interior to withdraw a proposed rule by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management that aims to regulate hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands. The bill emphasizes Texas's and other states' authority over oil and natural gas production, which has historically included hydraulic fracturing as a common and effective method used within state regulations. The measure argues that there have been no documented cases of groundwater contamination linked to hydraulic fracturing, indicating that state regulations are sufficient to manage such activities effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR2853 is firmly pro-state authority and anti-federal regulation, reflecting a strong belief among its supporters in the capabilities of Texas to manage its resources effectively. There is general agreement among proponents that federal oversight would be burdensome and unnecessary, as it lacks substantiating data to suggest that additional regulation is required. However, this sentiment may not be universally shared across all states or political groups, leading to possible contention surrounding environmental implications and safety standards.

Contention

The contention regarding HR2853 primarily revolves around the perceived need for federal oversight versus state autonomy in industry regulation. Proponents argue that the Bureau of Land Management's regulatory approach lacks evidence and could adversely affect the operational capabilities of the oil and gas industry. Critics of such state-centric legislation might argue that without federal oversight, there could be gaps in environmental protection and public health safeguards. Therefore, while the bill promotes state rights, it simultaneously raises questions about maintaining effective oversight for environmental safety and community health.