Relating to the procedure for amending or revoking certificates of public convenience and necessity issued to certain water utilities.
Impact
The bill represents a significant shift in how certificates of public convenience and necessity are handled. For counties with large populations, this offers a path for landowners to expedite their release from utilities that provide no service, thereby reallocating land for potential development or other uses. The amendment also includes allowances for landowners to address outstanding financial obligations related to the certificate, thereby creating a more streamlined process for landowners who seek to transition away from inactive utility agreements, which is crucial in densely populated regions of the state.
Summary
House Bill 3322 is aimed at modifying the procedures related to the amendment and revocation of certificates of public convenience and necessity specifically issued for certain water utilities in Texas. This bill stipulates that landowners of tracts of land not currently receiving water or sewer services may petition for expedited release from such certificates under defined criteria. These criteria consider population density within the county and provisions around federal loan responsibilities, introducing provisions that account for the financial obligations tied to federal loans held by utility certificate holders.
Contention
Notably, the bill is likely to face scrutiny regarding the potential implications for water utilities and their operations. Utility companies may express concerns around the destabilization of their operational frameworks if a significant number of landowners opt to expedite their release. Additionally, there might be discussions around the larger regulatory impacts this could have on water provision and infrastructure maintenance. Depending on how these new processes unfold, it could lead to essential debates around resource management, service responsibility, and the balance of power between landowners and utility providers.
Relating to the issuance or amendment of a certificate of public convenience and necessity that authorizes the construction of an electrical substation.