Texas Senate Bill SB1104

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the effect of rules and standards adopted by the Railroad Commission of Texas relating to the liquefied petroleum gas industry on ordinances, orders, or rules adopted by political subdivisions relating to that industry.

Impact

By repealing the specific section of the Natural Resources Code, SB1104 seeks to clarify that the rules and standards set forth by the Railroad Commission supersede any conflicting local provisions. This change is intended to streamline regulatory processes within the liquefied petroleum gas industry, eliminating potential confusion or disputes between state and local authorities about jurisdiction and enforcement mechanisms. If passed, the bill would result in uniformity in regulations across Texas, easing compliance for companies operating in more than one local area.

Summary

SB1104 is an act aimed at specifying the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas in relation to the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry. The bill proposes the repeal of Section 113.054 of the Natural Resources Code, thereby affecting how state-level regulations from the Railroad Commission interact with local ordinances and rules established by political subdivisions regarding LPG. This legislative effort underscores the continued push for a cohesive framework governing the liquefied petroleum gas sector, aligning local regulations with state standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1104 appears to be generally supportive among legislators focused on regulating the energy sector, particularly those who believe that consistent statewide policies are essential for business operations. However, there may be underlying concerns from local government representatives who argue that this may undermine local autonomy in addressing community-specific issues related to natural gas and energy management. The dialogues surrounding the bill indicate a delicate balance between state oversight and local governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention relating to SB1104 center around the implications of diminishing local control over gas regulations. Critics are likely to express concerns that local governments may lose their ability to enact tailored regulations that address unique geographic or demographic challenges posed by the liquefied petroleum gas industry. This potential tension between state authority and local decision-making powers reflects a broader theme in legislative discussions about how best to manage natural resources and maintain safety standards.