Relating to the storage of certain hazardous chemicals; transferring enforcement of certain reporting requirements, including the imposition of criminal, civil, and administrative penalties, from the Department of State Health Services to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Impact
If enacted, SB528 would notably amend sections of the Agriculture and Health and Safety Codes, placing stricter regulations on how ammonium nitrate — a widely used chemical in agricultural and industrial applications — is stored and reported. By transferring oversight to TCEQ, the bill aims to improve public safety by ensuring better compliance with safety standards concerning hazardous chemicals. The new regulations would likely result in increased operational costs for facilities required to adhere to them, including potential penalties for non-compliance.
Summary
Senate Bill 528 pertains to the storage and management of hazardous chemicals, specifically focusing on ammonium nitrate storage facilities. It proposes the transfer of enforcement powers related to hazardous chemical reporting from the Department of State Health Services to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This transition aims to streamline the enforcement process and enhance accountability measures for operators of such facilities. The bill outlines specific operational requirements, including maintaining detailed records of hazardous chemical presence and allowing inspections from fire marshals and local emergency planning committees.
Contention
While supporters of SB528 argue that the bill enhances community safety and environmental protection by holding facilities accountable for hazardous chemical management, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for smaller operators who may struggle to meet the new requirements. Critics may also point out that the shift in enforcement could lead to discrepancies in how regulations are applied, citing fears of inconsistent safety measures in various jurisdictions across Texas. The bill also raises questions about whether the changes could effectively reduce risks associated with hazardous materials.
Identical
Relating to the storage of certain hazardous chemicals; transferring enforcement of certain reporting requirements, including the imposition of criminal, civil, and administrative penalties, from the Department of State Health Services to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; reenacting a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; authorizing the assessment or increase of civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to the storage of certain hazardous chemicals; transferring enforcement of certain reporting requirements, including the imposition of criminal, civil, and administrative penalties, from the Department of State Health Services to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; reenacting a criminal offense.