Texas House Bill HB3412

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the expansion of certain landfills.

Impact

The legislation is designed to address community concerns regarding the proliferation of landfills, particularly in densely populated areas. By requiring local governmental approval for landfill expansions, HB3412 seeks to facilitate better environmental management and ensure that the interests of residents living near landfills are adequately represented. This change will likely impact how waste management companies plan their operations and expand their facilities within urban areas.

Summary

House Bill 3412 introduces limitations on the expansion of certain landfills within Texas. Specifically, it targets Type I municipal solid waste landfills located in municipalities within counties that have populations exceeding 600,000. The bill mandates that any application for the issuance, amendment, or renewal of a landfill permit must receive approval from the governing body of each affected municipality before it can be processed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This provision aims to enhance local oversight of landfill operations and expansions.

Contention

Notably, this bill could generate contention between local governments and state regulatory authorities. Supporters argue that local municipalities should have greater control over environmental issues that directly affect their communities, while critics may contend that such restrictions could hamper necessary waste management expansions required to address increasing waste volumes in growing urban populations. The balance between local control and the need for effective waste solutions will be a significant point of discussion as the bill progresses within the legislative framework.