Texas Senate Bill SB2276

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the issuance of a permit by the Railroad Commission of Texas for the routing of certain oil or gas pipelines; establishing a fee.

Impact

The legislation introduces specific criteria that the Railroad Commission must consider when approving routes for pipelines, including community values, recreational areas, historical and aesthetic considerations, and environmental integrity. By requiring public notice of proposed routes and allowing for contested case hearings, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and public participation in the permitting process. The Railroad Commission has until one year from the date of the application to approve or deny a permit, which in turn allows applicants recourse through the courts if there is a delay.

Summary

SB2276 is a piece of legislation that amends the Utilities Code in Texas by adding a new subchapter governing the issuance of permits for the routing of certain oil or gas pipelines. The bill mandates that any entity wishing to construct a pipeline that transports gas or petroleum must obtain a permit from the Railroad Commission of Texas before beginning construction. This requirement aims to streamline the permitting process, while ensuring that the routes chosen for such pipelines minimize negative impacts on affected communities and landowners.

Contention

While proponents of SB2276 may argue that it helps regulate oil and gas pipeline routing in a fair manner, critics may express concern regarding the adequacy of community input and the potential for the bill to favor industry interests over environmental and community protections. There is also potential contention concerning how strictly the Railroad Commission will enforce the considerations laid out in the bill, particularly in regard to environmental protections and community rights.

Additional_points

One notable aspect of SB2276 is that it places emphasis on the administrative review process, allowing the commission to approve applications without public hearings if certain conditions are met, which could lead to expedited approval for certain projects. This aspect may raise concerns among community activists who fear that it could limit their ability to intervene in important environmental discussions.