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 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. The board is tasked with reviewing these plans and may impose stricter standards for new or modified facilities.

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 on university lands, provided that the board of regents and the well operator jointly attest to certain conditions regarding pipeline capacity and efforts to find productive uses for the gas. The board is required to implement procedures for these regulations by June 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025, and the specific amendments to Section 86.185 taking effect on January 1, 2027.

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