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 TCEQ to issue permits for the land application of treated produced water 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 modifies existing language in subsection (b) to clarify the conditions under which the Railroad Commission of Texas may issue permits for waste discharge related to these activities. The changes in law 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 be governed by the law in effect at the time of filing.