Texas Senate Bill SB189

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to notice of an application for a permit to drill certain injection wells within a certain distance of a groundwater conservation district.

Impact

The implications of SB189 are significant as it strengthens the procedural approach to environmental governance concerning groundwater resources. By mandating this notification, the bill aims to enhance the role of groundwater conservation districts in the permitting process, allowing them to provide input or recommendations based on local environmental conditions. This step acknowledges the importance of local governance in managing natural resources, particularly as it relates to safeguarding groundwater quality and availability, which is increasingly under stress from industrial activities.

Summary

SB189 pertains to the notice requirements for applications for permits to drill certain injection wells, specifically those located near groundwater conservation districts. The bill amends existing provisions in the Texas Water Code to ensure that applicants for injection well permits notify the governing bodies of groundwater conservation districts if their proposed drilling sites are within ten miles of the district's boundaries. This requirement is intended to improve communication between well applicants and local conservation authorities, thereby fostering more informed decision-making about the environmental impacts of such drilling activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB189 may arise from the balance it seeks to strike between permitting efficiency and environmental oversight. Stakeholders from the drilling industry might express concern that additional notification requirements could delay the permitting process and impose burdensome regulations. Conversely, proponents of the bill, including environmental advocacy groups, will likely argue that heightened oversight is necessary to protect vital groundwater resources from potential contamination associated with injection wells. This ongoing debate highlights the tensions inherent in regulating natural resources while promoting industry development.