Texas Senate Bill SB720

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to prohibit hydraulic fracturing.

Impact

The introduction of SB720 would mean that local governments would lose the ability to impose restrictions on hydraulic fracturing, a commonly debated method of resource extraction that raises environmental concerns. Supporters of the bill argue that it facilitates economic growth by assuring oil and gas businesses that they can operate without facing varying local regulations. This uniformity is presented as a way to make Texas more attractive for business and investment in the energy sector.

Summary

SB720, titled the Hydraulic Fracturing Prohibition Act, seeks to modify the Local Government Code in Texas by explicitly prohibiting any political subdivision from enacting measures that would prohibit hydraulic fracturing within their jurisdictions. This bill reflects an overarching trend towards state-level regulation of practices associated with natural resources and aims to standardize policies across Texas, particularly concerning the oil and gas industry. The legislation asserts state authority over local governments when it comes to regulating hydraulic fracturing, which has been a contentious point in environmental debates in Texas.

Contention

Opposition to SB720 centers around the fear that the bill undermines local authority and community rights to regulate environmental issues that affect their health and safety. Environmental advocates and some local leaders have raised concerns that stripping municipalities of their power to restrict hydraulic fracturing could lead to detrimental impacts, including groundwater contamination and air quality issues. Critics argue that local governments are better positioned to address unique environmental challenges and that the bill represents an overreach by the state government into local governance.