Bill

HB 1331

84(R) - 2015
House Energy Resources
House Energy Resources
Natural Resources

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Positive
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive

Author(s)

Phil King

Bill Caption

Relating to the treatment and recycling for beneficial use of certain waste arising out of or incidental to the drilling for or the production of oil or gas.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1331, if passed, would modify the Natural Resources Code (Section 122.001, 122.002) by adding new sections regarding drill cuttings. A few sections of the bill would clarify that drill cuttings under this section of code refer specifically to oil and gas waste (specifically, rock or soil brought to the surface by drilling apparatus during the creation of an oil or gas well). The most notable change, is Section 122.0025 which regards the responsibility in tort for drill cuttings. This section reads as follows:

“A person who generates drill cuttings and transfers the drill cuttings to a permit holder with the contractual understanding that the drill cuttings will be used in connection with road building or another beneficial use is not liable in tort for a consequence of the subsequent use of the drill cuttings by the permit holder or by another person.”

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 1331 would amend the Natural Resources Code in a beneficial way by making it absolutely clear that individuals involved in the oil and gas industry cannot be held responsible for drill cuttings if they have contractually transferred ownership to another party. We support positive tort reforms, which defends Free Markets. This House bill is a beneficial defense of private Property Rights under the Natural Resources Code, which also represents a boon to Individual Liberty. 

Organizations Supporting

Texans for Lawsuit Reform
Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association
Texas Oil and Gas Association
Texas Pipeline Association