Bill: HB 1633, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Energy Resources

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

Author(s)

Ramon Romero Jr.

Bill Caption

Relating to application and notification requirements for a permit to drill an oil or gas well in or near an easement held by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 1633, if passed, would modify the Natural Resources Code (Subchapter B, Chapter 91) by adding a new section (91.021) regarding a notice for a permit to drill an oil or gas well in a Department of Transportation Easement. Specifically, the bill requires that rules be adopted regarding an application for a permit to drill within fifty yards on a Department of Transportation Easement. This permitting process must take place within fourteen days of receiving a permit to drill an oil or gas well. No authority is granted to the department regarding the approval of the application of the oil or gas well permit itself. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Though the bill is somewhat vague as to who reports to whom, the ultimate intention is to increase communication between state agencies, namely the Railroad Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation. Private parties would be subject to a new form which indicated whether wells in question are located within fifty yards of Department of Transportation easement. This is a marginal change, and increased communication between government departments is probably desirable. We see no substantive reason to support or oppose HB 1633. As such we are neutral on the bill. 

Organizations Supporting

The Sierra Club

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 04:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb1633?print_view=true