Texas House Bill HB355

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to providing notice to a state representative and senator of an administrative penalty assessed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Impact

By amending the Water Code, this legislation improves the communication channel between the TCEQ and local lawmakers. This change is expected to foster a more proactive approach to environmental issues by empowering legislators to engage with their communities regarding violations and penalties impacting local environments. Furthermore, the public will be given the opportunity to comment on proposed administrative orders before approval, which could lead to increased public participation and accountability in environmental governance.

Summary

House Bill 355 is focused on enhancing transparency and notification requirements regarding administrative penalties enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The bill mandates that the TCEQ notify the state representatives and senators of the areas impacted by environmental violations. Such notifications are to occur in a timely manner following the commission's decision on penalties, thereby ensuring that relevant local legislators are informed and can act accordingly to address their constituents' concerns.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 355 appears to be largely positive among legislators, as it promotes a greater level of involvement from elected representatives in environmental oversight. The bill was passed unanimously, indicating broad bipartisan support for improved communication regarding environmental penalties and increased legislative engagement on such matters. This aligns with a growing trend in environmental governance where transparency and accountability are seen as essential components.

Contention

While the bill has garnered unanimous support, potential areas of contention may revolve around the implementation of the notice provisions and ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are adequately informed. Critics might raise concerns regarding the efficiency of the notification process and the responsiveness of the TCEQ to public comments. Additionally, while the bill aims to enhance transparency, it is important to consider how it impacts the operational aspects of TCEQ's enforcement actions.