The bill, S.B. No. 1145, amends Section 26.131 of the Water Code to enhance the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding the issuance of permits for the land application of produced water from mining and oil and gas extraction operations. Specifically, it allows the TCEQ to issue permits for the land application of treated produced water, which is defined as water that has been treated for beneficial use. The bill also mandates that the TCEQ adopt standards for this land application, ensuring that such practices prevent the pollution of both surface and subsurface water.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language by replacing references to the Railroad Commission of Texas with the TCEQ in the context of issuing permits for waste discharge related to these activities. The changes will only apply to permit applications filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law in effect at the time of filing.