S.B. No. 1121 amends Section 191.0525(e) of the Natural Resources Code to establish categorical exclusions from certain notification requirements for activities on nonfederal public land that are unlikely to damage archeological sites. The bill specifies a list of activities that qualify for these exclusions, including water injection into existing oil and gas wells, upgrading electrical transmission lines without new disturbances, seismic exploration without ground penetration, and various maintenance activities. Notably, the bill adds new exclusions for the installation, maintenance, operation, replacement, or minor modification of buried communication facilities located in the right-of-way of existing roads, as well as for any project with a state permit application submitted before the promulgation of rules under this section.

The bill aims to streamline processes for specific projects on state or local public land by reducing unnecessary notification requirements, thereby facilitating timely development and maintenance of essential infrastructure. It will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 191.0525 (Natural Resources Code 191)
Senate Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 191.0525 (Natural Resources Code 191)
Engrossed: Natural Resources Code 191.0525 (Natural Resources Code 191)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 191.0525 (Natural Resources Code 191)
Enrolled: Natural Resources Code 191.0525 (Natural Resources Code 191)