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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the ownership by a landowner of the geothermal energy |
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and associated resources below the surface of the landowner's land. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 141, Natural Resources |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 141.004 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 141.004. OWNERSHIP OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AND ASSOCIATED |
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RESOURCES. A landowner owns the geothermal energy and associated |
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resources below the surface of the landowner's land as real |
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property. Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the property |
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rights described by this section entitle the landowner and the |
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landowner's lessee, heir, or assign to drill for and produce the |
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geothermal energy and associated resources below the surface of the |
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landowner's land. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |