The bill amends Section 91.1013 of the Natural Resources Code to establish new application fees for various permits related to the disposal of oil and gas waste. It introduces definitions for terms such as "commercial oil and gas waste separation facility," "commercial surface oil and gas waste disposal facility," "land application permit," "landfarm permit," and "landtreatment permit." The bill specifies that applicants for a fluid injection well permit must submit a nonrefundable fee of $200. Additionally, it outlines a tiered fee structure for other permits, including $500 for landfarm, landtreatment, or land application permits; $2,000 for commercial oil and gas waste separation facility permits; $1,000 for amendments to such permits; and $3,000 for commercial surface oil and gas waste disposal facility permits.

The bill also deletes previous language regarding the application process and fees for permits related to discharges to surface water, replacing it with the new fee structure. It clarifies that the amended provisions will apply only to applications filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas 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 existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 91.1013 (Natural Resources Code 91)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 91.1013 (Natural Resources Code 91)