Environmental Effects of Petroleum Production: 2010-2011 Texas Legislative Developments

Reviews the 2011 Sunset Advisory Commission (SAC) recommended changes to duties of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). Bills associated with the first two agencies became law; bills associated with the last failed. In addition and as directed by the legislation, the RRC passed regulations requiring disclosure of ingredients used in hydraulic fracturing fluid. Reviews the TCEQ and local conservancy districts across the state, deeming hydraulic fracturing to be a process separate from drilling and exploration-activities excepted by statute from their permitting requirements-began to more closely scrutinize water use related to hydraulic fracturing.