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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a required water quality permit for construction of a |
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high-speed rail project. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended |
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by adding Section 26.054 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 26.054. PERMIT REQUIRED FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT. |
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(a) In this section, "high-speed rail" has the meaning assigned by |
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Section 112.201, Transportation Code. |
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(b) The commission may issue a permit authorizing the |
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construction and operation of a high-speed rail project only if the |
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commission determines that the construction and operation will not |
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adversely impact the quality of drinking water, surface water, or |
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groundwater in any area of this state. |
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(c) In addition to any other permit required by law, a |
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person may not begin construction of a high-speed rail project |
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without first obtaining a permit issued by the commission under |
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this section. |
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(d) The commission shall adopt rules to administer this |
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section, including rules establishing application procedures and |
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fees for a permit required by this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |