C.S.H.B. 2567 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 2567
By: Geren
Natural Resources
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has
jurisdiction over discharge into underground injection wells in the state.
C.S.H.B. 2567 establishes provisions that streamline permitting procedures
for the disposal of brine from desalination operations under a Class I
injection well. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly
granted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in SECTION
1(Section 27.021, Water Code) of this bill. 

       
ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2567 amends Subchapter B, Chapter 27, Water Code, by adding a
provision to clarify that permits for disposal of brine from desalination
operations may be issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) under a Class I injection well.  The bill establishes that the TCEQ
by rule shall provide for public notice and comment on an application
issued under this section. Further, not withstanding Sec. 27.018, an
application under this section is not subject to hearing requirements
under Chapter 2001, Government Code. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
        
C.S.H.B. 2567 is a legislative council draft of the original bill as
filed, and the change clarifies that the "permit meets all statutory and
regulatory requirements" and not just "all requirements."  Finally, the
substitute removes language to clarify that brine is not considered to be
hazardous waste.