“Texas Bill Aims to Protect Landowners from Toxic Waste Burial by Oil and Gas Companies”
The Texas Legislature is currently considering a bill, House Bill 4572, that would require oil and gas drillers to notify landowners before burying toxic waste on their property. This bill aims to strengthen regulations for reserve pits, where oil and gas companies bury waste next to drilling sites. The Texas House Energy Resources Committee heard testimony on the bill, which was filed by State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw.
The bill seeks to introduce safeguards for the state’s groundwater and property owners. Landowners, advocates, and an oilfield waste professional spoke in favor of the bill at the state capitol, while a representative of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association spoke in opposition.
The waste streams from the oil and gas industry have evolved with the widespread adoption of fracking, with waste now containing carcinogens like benzene and arsenic. The bill is currently pending in the Energy Resources Committee and faces hurdles to passage by the full House.
HB 4572 proposes new regulations for reserve pits, requiring the Railroad Commission to adopt standards for their location, establish bonding and groundwater monitoring rules, and require landowner notification and permission before waste is buried. The bill aims to empower landowners with information and consent regarding toxic waste buried on their property.
Public comments largely support the bill, with concerns raised about the toxicity and contamination of current waste disposal practices. The bill is seen as a necessary step to protect landowners and the environment from the harmful effects of oil and gas waste.
The committee adjourned without voting on the bill, and the clock is ticking to the end of the Texas legislative session on June 2. The bill faces opposition from industry representatives who suggest waiting for the updated rules from the Railroad Commission before passing legislation.
Overall, the bill represents an important effort to address the environmental and health risks associated with oil and gas waste disposal in Texas. The outcome of this legislation will have significant implications for landowners, the industry, and the state’s environmental regulations.