The bill, H.B. No. 2824, aims to enhance the regulation of facilities that store and distribute benzene and other volatile organic compounds in Texas. It introduces new provisions to the Health and Safety Code, specifically adding Subchapter M, which outlines requirements for chemical distribution facilities. Key provisions include the mandate for these facilities to be equipped with state-of-the-art emission control devices, the installation of continuous air quality monitoring stations in adjacent communities, and regular emissions-related inspections. The bill also establishes a compliance audit process and outlines penalties for violations, which will be enforced under existing water code provisions.

Additionally, the bill creates a Community Environmental Remediation Fund to support environmental remediation projects in communities affected by violations of the new regulations. The fund will be financed through penalties collected for non-compliance, and the Texas Commission will administer a grant program to assist local governments in these remediation efforts. The bill emphasizes the importance of regular updates to emissions rules and aims to ensure better monitoring and control of hazardous emissions from chemical distribution facilities, with the provisions set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 382.017 (Health and Safety Code 382)