Honorable Brian Birdwell, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB185 by Miles (Relating to the response to certain oil or gas well accidents by state agencies and responsible parties.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Natural Resources Code related to the response to certain oil and gas well accidents by the Railroad Commission, Commission on Environmental Quality, and operators of oil and gas wells. The bill would require additional reporting by oil and gas operators to the Railroad Commission, direct the Railroad Commission and the Commission on Environmental Quality to establish a well blowout emergency alert system, and provide restrictions on certain oil and gas well operation permits.
The Railroad Commission and Commission on Environmental Quality estimate there would be a cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill, however Legislative Budget Board analysis indicates any additional work resulting from enactment of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing state and federal resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
455 Railroad Commission, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality