HB 1971
AN ACT relating to an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Creates an exemption for drillers and operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from certain regulatory requirements under the Natural Resources Code. Specifically, it allows geothermal well operators who have a valid permit by rule from the Railroad Commission to be exempt from specific sections of existing state code. The exemption applies to permit applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, potentially simplifying regulatory compliance for geothermal energy operators in Texas.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from certain requirements applicable to persons involved in activities under the jurisdiction of the BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 27.037, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: (c-1) Sections 85.2021 and 91.142, Natural Resources Code, do not apply to a person who submits a request for authorization or is authorized to use a valid permit by rule issued by the railroad SECTION 2. Section 27.037, Water Code, as amended by this Act, applies to a permit application or materially amended permit application that is filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop
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