Texas House Bill HB4409

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to monitoring emissions of air contaminants from certain mining-related facilities; imposing of a fee.

Impact

The enforcement of HB4409 will impose responsibilities on permit holders to install and maintain monitoring equipment for air contaminants. By creating a mechanism for real-time data collection, the bill strives to enhance transparency and public access to emissions data. This accountability measures are expected to lead to improved compliance with air quality standards, which could mitigate environmental impacts from mining operations. Additionally, collected fees from permit holders will fund the operational costs of maintaining a publicly accessible website that enables citizens to access this data.

Summary

House Bill 4409 introduces significant amendments to the Texas Health and Safety Code, specifically targeting air quality control measures in mining-related activities. The bill mandates the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to enforce real-time monitoring of emissions at certain mining facilities, including those involved in the production of aggregates, concrete plants, and hot mix asphalt plants. This regulation aims to enhance the state's ability to monitor pollutants and safeguard air quality by ensuring continuous oversight of emissions data from mining operations.

Contention

While the intention behind HB4409 is to enhance environmental health through stricter monitoring, the bill may face challenges regarding its implementation and the financial burden it places on mining operations. Opponents may argue that the fees associated with monitoring could disproportionately affect smaller companies in the mining sector, potentially stifling economic activity. Furthermore, the effectiveness of real-time monitoring in actually reducing emissions will depend significantly on the robustness of enforcement mechanisms established by TCEQ.