BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 2122 89R3836 ANG-F By: Zaffirini Natural Resources 3/31/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT S.B. 2122 would authorize the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) to collect permit application fees ranging from $500 to $3,000, depending on the type of permit. Fees would be assessed on landfarm and land applications ($500), commercial recycling, treatment, waste separation, storage, and reclamation facilities ($2,000 for new applications; $1,000 for amendments), and permanent commercial surface waste disposal facilities ($3,000 for new applications; $1,000 for amendments). The bill also removes outdated language in the Natural Resources Code regarding surface water discharge permit fees. S.B. 2122 would generate an estimated $487,000 annually, strengthening RRC's ability to oversee environmental permitting and compliance while ensuring a more efficient, customer-focused permitting process. By aligning EPS with other revenue-generating divisions, S.B. 2122 would provide a sustainable funding mechanism to support RRC's ongoing efforts to modernize environmental protections and improve regulatory efficiency. As proposed, S.B. 2122 amends current law relating to imposition of application fees for certain permits and permit amendments for the disposal of oil and gas waste. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 91.1013, Natural Resources Code, by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (a-1), as follows: (a) Defines "land application permit," "landfarm permit," and "landtreatment permit." Makes nonsubstantive changes. (a-1) Requires an applicant, with each application for a fluid injection well permit, to submit to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) a nonrefundable fee of $200. (b) Requires an applicant for a permit to store, treat, or dispose of certain oil and gas waste to submit to RRC certain nonrefundable fees for that application. Deletes existing text requiring an applicant, with each application for a permit to discharge to surface water under Chapter 91 (Provisions Generally Applicable) and RRC rules, other than a permit for a discharge that meets National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements for agricultural or wildlife use, to submit to RRC a nonrefundable fee. SECTION 2. Makes application of Section 91.1013 (Application Fees), Natural Resources Code, as amended by this Act, prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2122
89R3836 ANG-F By: Zaffirini
Natural Resources
3/31/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 2122
89R3836 ANG-F
By: Zaffirini
Natural Resources
3/31/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 2122 would authorize the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) to collect permit application fees ranging from $500 to $3,000, depending on the type of permit. Fees would be assessed on landfarm and land applications ($500), commercial recycling, treatment, waste separation, storage, and reclamation facilities ($2,000 for new applications; $1,000 for amendments), and permanent commercial surface waste disposal facilities ($3,000 for new applications; $1,000 for amendments). The bill also removes outdated language in the Natural Resources Code regarding surface water discharge permit fees.
S.B. 2122 would generate an estimated $487,000 annually, strengthening RRC's ability to oversee environmental permitting and compliance while ensuring a more efficient, customer-focused permitting process. By aligning EPS with other revenue-generating divisions, S.B. 2122 would provide a sustainable funding mechanism to support RRC's ongoing efforts to modernize environmental protections and improve regulatory efficiency.
As proposed, S.B. 2122 amends current law relating to imposition of application fees for certain permits and permit amendments for the disposal of oil and gas waste.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 91.1013, Natural Resources Code, by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:
(a) Defines "land application permit," "landfarm permit," and "landtreatment permit." Makes nonsubstantive changes.
(a-1) Requires an applicant, with each application for a fluid injection well permit, to submit to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) a nonrefundable fee of $200.
(b) Requires an applicant for a permit to store, treat, or dispose of certain oil and gas waste to submit to RRC certain nonrefundable fees for that application. Deletes existing text requiring an applicant, with each application for a permit to discharge to surface water under Chapter 91 (Provisions Generally Applicable) and RRC rules, other than a permit for a discharge that meets National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements for agricultural or wildlife use, to submit to RRC a nonrefundable fee.
SECTION 2. Makes application of Section 91.1013 (Application Fees), Natural Resources Code, as amended by this Act, prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.