The bill amends Section 26.131 of the Water Code to grant the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) the authority to issue permits for the land application of produced water from certain mining and oil and gas extraction operations. Specifically, it introduces new subsections (e) and (f), which allow the commission to issue permits for treated produced water intended for beneficial use and mandates the establishment of standards to prevent pollution of surface and subsurface water. Additionally, the TCEQ is required to consult with the Railroad Commission of Texas when adopting these standards, with the provision that this requirement will expire on September 1, 2027.

The bill also clarifies that the changes apply only to permit applications filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Any applications submitted before this date will be governed by the existing law at that time. The amendments aim to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding the management of produced water, ensuring environmental protection while facilitating beneficial uses of this resource.