Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB743

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the abolition of the fee established by the commissioner of the General Land Office for processing applications for terminal facility discharge prevention and response certificates.

Impact

By enacting SB743, applications for discharge prevention and response certificates would no longer incur a processing fee. This adjustment could significantly reduce the financial burden on terminal facility operators, encouraging compliance with environmental regulations. Reducing fees may also lead to an increase in applications as operators might find the process more accessible. The change focuses on balancing environmental responsibility with economic feasibility for terminal operations across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 743 aims to abolish the fee established by the commissioner of the General Land Office for processing applications related to terminal facility discharge prevention and response certificates. This legislative change is intended to streamline the application process for operators of terminal facilities, potentially making it easier for them to obtain necessary certifications required by state law. The bill addresses the growing need for efficient regulation in managing environmental risks associated with marine and land-based terminal operations.

Contention

Although the bill appears to benefit terminal operators, there may be concerns regarding the implications of removing fees associated with environmental certification processes. Opponents may argue that such fees are necessary to maintain effective regulatory oversight and that their elimination could lead to decreased funding for the oversight mechanisms meant to protect natural resources. This contention revolves around the balance between encouraging business operations and ensuring adequate environmental protections are in place.

Companion Bills

TX HB1481

Identical Relating to the abolition of the fee established by the commissioner of the General Land Office for processing applications for terminal facility discharge prevention and response certificates.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4573

Relating to the issuance of a permit by the commissioner of the General Land Office for a wind power facility on coastal public land; authorizing a fee; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB1303

Relating to the issuance of a permit by the commissioner of the General Land Office for a wind power facility on coastal public land; authorizing a fee; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB2612

Relating to the commissioning by the General Land Office of certain Alamo complex rangers as peace officers.

TX HB5417

Relating to the commissioning by the General Land Office of certain Alamo complex rangers as peace officers.

TX HB3859

Relating to the approval of beach access and use plans by the commissioner of the General Land Office.

TX SB2026

Relating to the approval of beach access and use plans by the commissioner of the General Land Office.

TX HB3707

Relating to the permitting of renewable energy generation facilities by the Public Utility Commission of Texas; authorizing fees.

TX SB624

Relating to the permitting of renewable energy generation facilities by the Public Utility Commission of Texas; authorizing fees.

TX HB2888

Relating to the application of the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act to Class B underground facilities.

TX SB6

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.