H.B. No. 302 proposes the establishment of maximum allowable ground level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to safeguard public health. The bill introduces a new section, 382.0217, to the Health and Safety Code, which mandates the TCEQ to create rules that set these maximum concentrations. The commission is required to review the latest health studies on hydrogen sulfide emissions and reevaluate the allowable concentrations at least once every five years. The bill allows for different concentration limits based on land use, specifying a maximum of 0.04 parts per million for areas affecting residential, recreational, business, or commercial properties, and 0.06 parts per million for other uses.

Additionally, the bill classifies violations of these established concentrations as having major significance under the Water Code. The TCEQ is required to adopt the necessary rules by December 1, 2026, to implement these provisions. The act will take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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