Texas House Bill HB858

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the carcinogenic risk level used in the development of certain environmental remediation benchmarks.

Impact

The implementation of HB 858 is expected to significantly influence the manner in which environmental remediation standards are established across Texas. By compelling the TCEQ to adopt a specific risk level for carcinogens, the bill amplifies the existing regulations in place under the Texas Risk Reduction Program. This change could lead to more stringent requirements for industries that pose environmental risks, which in turn may accelerate the remediation of contaminated sites, benefitting public health and environmental safety.

Summary

House Bill 858 aims to revise the carcinogenic risk levels used in establishing environmental remediation benchmarks within the state's Health and Safety Code. The bill mandates that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) set carcinogenic risk levels at a rate no greater than one in one million when developing protective concentration levels or risk-based exposure limits. This legislative change is intended to enhance public health protections by ensuring stricter thresholds for carcinogenic risks associated with environmental contaminants.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it is a vital step toward mitigating exposure to harmful carcinogenic substances, there may also be concerns regarding its economic implications. Industry stakeholders could express apprehensions about the increased costs of compliance with the new standards. The requirement for tighter regulations might be viewed as a burden by some businesses, especially those operating in industries like manufacturing or waste management, which deal frequently with hazardous materials.