By: Guerra, Longoria, Muñoz, Jr. H.B. No. 3576
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3576:
By: Ellzey C.S.H.B. No. 3576
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to
study geothermal energy and associated resources.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 141, Natural Resources Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter E to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER E. GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
Sec. 141.151. STUDY. The commission may study the
geothermal energy potential and associated resources in this state
to:
(1) examine the potential for utilizing inactive or
abandoned wells for their geothermal potential;
(2) review areas of the state with high geothermal
activity;
(3) consider alternative uses of wells listed in the
State Managed Plugging program; and
(4) ways to encourage the production of geothermal
energy and associated resources in this state.
Sec. 141.152. PARTNERSHIPS. (a) The commission may enter a
partnership with the University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology
and the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Lab to facilitate
their study; and
(b) expend funds received in Sec. 141.153.
Sec. 141.153. FEDERAL FUNDS. The commission may accept
federal funds for the purpose of this chapter.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.