Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3246

Caption

Relating to the treatment and recycling for beneficial use of certain waste arising out of or incidental to the drilling for or production of oil or gas.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3246 is expected to have significant implications for state laws governing waste management in the oil and gas sector. By establishing clear ownership rights for treated oil and gas waste, the bill aims to incentivize operators to treat and recycle waste rather than dispose of it. This could lead to improved environmental outcomes, as well as potentially fostering new business opportunities in the waste treatment and recycling industry. The amendments to the Natural Resources Code aim to streamline regulatory compliance for entities involved in the beneficial use of waste materials.

Summary

House Bill 3246 focuses on the treatment and recycling of certain waste generated from drilling and production activities related to oil and gas. The bill proposes that such waste, once transferred to an entity for treatment aimed at reusing it beneficially, will be considered the property of that entity. This legislative change is intended to clarify ownership issues surrounding oil and gas waste as it moves through treatment processes, thus facilitating its recycling and beneficial reuse.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3246 appears to be generally positive among stakeholders in the oil and gas production industry, who see it as a valuable tool for enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. However, there may be concerns from environmental advocacy groups regarding the potential for increased waste disposal practices or insufficient oversight of waste treatment processes. The lack of opposition noted in the voting records indicates that the bill was well-received, but ongoing discussions about its practical implementation could generate future debates.

Contention

While HB 3246 does not seem to have faced major contention during its passage, the underlying principles of waste ownership and the responsibilities of treatment entities may still prompt discussions among various stakeholders, particularly regarding environmental safeguards. Key points of interest may include the effectiveness of treatment processes and oversight mechanisms to ensure that beneficial reuse of waste does not lead to adverse environmental impacts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.