The bill, S.B. No. 1157, aims to regulate the flaring and venting of methane gas on land dedicated to the Permanent University Fund by establishing specific requirements for the University of Texas System. It introduces a new section, 66.455, to the Education Code, mandating the board of regents to adopt a formal policy goal to eliminate routine methane flaring and venting on university lands by 2029. Under this section, lessees of oil or gas leases must submit plans to the board that include prohibitions on routine flaring and venting, adherence to EPA standards for methane emissions, and quarterly inspections for malfunctioning flares.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 86.185 of the Natural Resources Code to allow for exceptions to the prohibition against gas escaping into the air, specifically for methane flaring or venting from wells on university lands, provided that the board of regents and the well operator jointly attest to certain conditions. The bill requires the board to implement procedures for these regulations by June 1, 2026, and establishes a general effective date of September 1, 2025, with specific provisions taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 86.185 (Natural Resources Code 86)