H.B. No. 2663 amends Section 89.029 of the Natural Resources Code to enhance the requirements for operators applying to the Railroad Commission of Texas for an extension of the deadline for plugging inactive wells. The bill mandates that operators provide a written affirmation confirming the termination of electric service to the well's production site and outlines specific actions that must be taken based on the duration of the well's inactivity. For wells inactive for at least ten years, operators must remove all surface process equipment, related piping, and any junk or trash associated with the well, as well as all equipment providing electric service, except for that owned by an electric utility.

Additionally, the bill introduces an administrative penalty for operators who fail to comply with these requirements, with fines not exceeding $25,000 for each violation. The changes apply to applications filed on or after the effective date of the Act, while applications submitted before this date will be governed by the previous law. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 89.029 (Natural Resources Code 89)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 89.029 (Natural Resources Code 89)
Engrossed: Natural Resources Code 89.029 (Natural Resources Code 89)
Senate Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 89.029 (Natural Resources Code 89)
Enrolled: Natural Resources Code 89.029 (Natural Resources Code 89)