Texas House Bill HB4232

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/10/25

Caption

Relating to the maintenance of certain improvements associated with oil and gas development and production; authorizing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The introduction of HB 4232 is set to impact existing natural resource regulations significantly. By codifying maintenance requirements, the bill promotes responsible management of oil and gas operations and aims to prevent deterioration of infrastructure that could lead to environmental hazards. It also empowers the commission to impose administrative penalties on operators who fail to comply with the maintenance standards, introducing a new layer of accountability for oil and gas production activities in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4232 seeks to establish new regulations regarding the maintenance of infrastructure connected to oil and gas development in Texas. Specifically, it mandates that operators of oil and gas wells must maintain all lands and related infrastructure between the wellhead and public highways in accordance with rules set by the Texas Commission. This bill aims to ensure that the sites of oil and gas operations are kept in good condition, reducing environmental impact and improving public safety.

Contention

While the bill appears to bolster regulatory oversight, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Stakeholders from the oil and gas industry may argue that stringent maintenance requirements could impose additional financial burdens on operators, especially smaller companies. Additionally, ensuring compliance and implementing penalties could require significant resources from the regulatory body, raising concerns about the balance between enforcement and operational efficiency.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Natural Resources Code

• Chapter 91. Provisions Generally Applicable
  • Section: New Section