Texas House Bill HB1976

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding reported gas flaring.

Impact

This legislation is significant in its potential to influence state environmental laws and regulations pertaining to natural gas operations. By investigating existing flaring practices and the reliability of reported data, the commission's findings could lead to new legislative measures aimed at tightening regulations around gas flaring. This may directly impact industry practices and environmental safeguards within the state, emphasizing accountability in emissions reporting.

Summary

House Bill 1976 mandates a comprehensive study to be conducted by the Railroad Commission of Texas regarding the reporting of natural gas flaring. The bill requires the commission to audit the data submitted on gas flaring to identify discrepancies by comparing reported data with satellite data collected by the National Centers for Environmental Information. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy of gas flaring reports and improve regulatory oversight.

Contention

While the bill appears to have clear objectives, concerns may arise regarding the implications it could have on the natural gas industry, particularly among operators who may argue that increased scrutiny could complicate operational efficiency. Specifically, the study's findings may compel legislators to propose more stringent regulations that the industry stakeholders could find burdensome. Therefore, engaging with various stakeholders will be essential to balance environmental priorities with industry capabilities.