Texas House Bill HB1390

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the review of municipal solid waste facility permit applications for conformity with regional solid waste management plans.

Impact

The proposed legislation would amend several sections of the Health and Safety Code, reinforcing the need for the TCEQ to consult local governmental entities, such as mayors and county judges, when assessing permit applications. Additionally, it stipulates that councils of governments must review applications for consistency with regional plans, establishing a shared oversight action. This approach seeks to enhance collaborative decision-making in waste management and reduce potential conflicts arising from new waste facilities being sited without regard to regional strategies.

Summary

House Bill 1390 addresses the review and approval process for municipal solid waste facility permit applications in Texas. The bill mandates that before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) can issue a permit for a solid waste facility, it must ensure compatibility with any relevant local or regional solid waste management plans established under state law. This requirement aims to align new facility operations with existing community strategies for solid waste handling and management.

Contention

Although the bill supports a more organized approach to waste management, it could spark debates among stakeholders concerned about balancing economic development with environmental protection. Proponents might argue that ensuring conformity with regional plans is crucial for sustainable waste management, while critics could express concerns about the efficiency of permitting processes or bureaucratic red tape impacting timely waste management solutions. Furthermore, the bill's stipulations could lead to discussions about the adequacy of current regional plans and the capacity of local governments to effectively evaluate such applications.