The bill, H.B. No. 1971, proposes an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from certain regulatory requirements set forth by the Railroad Commission of Texas. Specifically, it amends Section 27.037 of the Water Code by adding a new subsection (c-1), which states that Sections 85.2021 and 91.142 of the Natural Resources Code will not apply to individuals who either submit a request for authorization or are authorized to use a valid permit by rule issued by the Railroad Commission under this section.

The provisions of this bill will apply to any permit application or materially amended permit application submitted to the Railroad Commission on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to streamline the regulatory process for geothermal injection well operations, potentially encouraging the development of geothermal energy resources in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 27.037 (Water Code 27)
House Committee Report: Water Code 27.037 (Water Code 27)