83R1218 SMH-F
By: Davis S.B. No. 941
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 1.8
million.
(b) Rules adopted under this section must promote gas
exploration and production while securing the quality of life and
existing economic interests, including property values and
development plans, in the unincorporated areas of the counties
described by Subsection (a) by:
(1) establishing unique and heightened standards for
the benefit and protection of existing residences, religious
institutions, schools, hospitals, and public parks;
(2) establishing protective measures related to
noise, lighting, water discharge, road damage, gas exploration and
production-related traffic routing and congestion, and the impact
on and damage to water wells resulting from drilling or production
operations;
(3) addressing the proximity of gas wells, disposal
facilities, compressor stations, gas treatment facilities, and
aboveground storage tanks to existing structures;
(4) addressing pipeline placement and alignment; and
(5) addressing 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, 2013, the Railroad
Commission of Texas shall adopt rules as required by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.