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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to |
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study geothermal energy and associated resources. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 141, Natural Resources Code, is amended |
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by adding Subchapter E to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER E. GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES |
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Sec. 141.151. STUDY. The commission may study the |
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geothermal energy potential and associated resources in this state |
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to: |
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(1) examine the potential for utilizing inactive or |
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abandoned wells for their geothermal potential; |
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(2) review areas of the state with high geothermal |
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activity; |
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(3) consider alternative uses of wells listed in the |
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State Managed Plugging program; and |
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(4) ways to encourage the production of geothermal |
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energy and associated resources in this state. |
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Sec. 141.152. PARTNERSHIPS. (a) The commission may enter a |
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partnership with the University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology |
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and the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Lab to facilitate |
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their study; and |
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(b) expend funds received in Sec. 141.153. |
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Sec. 141.153. FEDERAL FUNDS. The commission may accept |
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federal funds for the purpose of this chapter. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |