Senate Committee on Natural Resources - 79th R.S. (2005)

Committee: Senate Natural Resources
Title: Interim Report - Air Quality
Library Catalog Title: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 80th Legislature : state air programs
Subjects: Air pollution | Air pollution control technology | Air quality | Low-Income Vehicle Repair Assistance Program | Motor vehicle pollution | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 N219ap
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [25 pages  File size: 1,146 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Monitor ongoing efforts to improve air quality in Texas and review development and implementation of the State Implementation Plan. Examine the effectiveness of the Low Income Vehicle Repair and Assistance Program and the Texas Emissions Reduction Program.
Committee: Senate Natural Resources
Title: Interim Report - Oil, Gas and Alternative Fuel Issues
Library Catalog Title: The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 80th Legislature : oil, gas, and alternative fuel issues
Subjects: Alternative energy | Biofuels | Groundwater | Liquefied natural gas | Mineral rights | Natural gas | Natural gas drilling | Natural gas industry | Oil drilling | Property rights | Water contamination | Water rights | Water wells |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 N219o
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [167 pages  File size: 21,935 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Identify areas of the state where surface or groundwater was contaminated by petroleum operations. Determine the appropriate regulatory and technical requirements to remediate the contamination and prevent future contamination, and recommend appropriate agency jurisdiction for preventing, responding and remediating such incidents.
2. Study the increasing use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane. Examine the way those products fit into a diverse fuel mix. Review the current status of LNG terminals on the Texas coast. Study mineral owners and surface owners rights and obligations for the manner in which they enter and use property. Make recommendations on ways in which surface and mineral owners could communicate more effectively. Monitor the Railroad Commission study of competition in the Texas natural gas pipeline industry.
3. Study and make recommendations relating to investment needs and economic barriers to developing bio-diesel, bio-fuels, ethanol, and other renewable products in Texas. Compare agriculturally-developed renewable fuel initiatives in other states.
4. Study the permitting exemptions and water well regulations in Sec. 36.117, Water Code. Review the jurisdiction over the regulation of groundwater pumping in conjunction with drilling and production of oil and gas.
5. Review mineral owners and surface owners rights and obligations for the manner in which they enter and use property. Make recommendations on ways in which surface and mineral owners could communicate more effectively.
Committee: Senate Natural Resources
Title: Interim Report - Water Issues
Library Catalog Title: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 80th Legislature : water issues
Subjects: Droughts | Interbasin water transfers | Texas State Water Plan | Water conservation | Water marketing | Water planning | Water rights |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 N219w
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [381 pages  File size: 47,137 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study and assess all issues related to ground and surface water law, policy and management, including, but not limited to:
  • the role of federal, state, regional and local governments, including river authorities and other water management entities, and their jurisdiction, authority, and coordination in setting consistent, nondiscriminatory water policies;
  • the statutory, regulatory, and/or economic impediments to implementing key water management strategies recommended in the Regional and State Water Plans;
  • the role of groundwater conservation districts;
  • conjunctive use of both ground and surface water resources;
  • rule of capture;
  • historic use standards;
  • water infrastructure and financing, including financing sources for new water resources;
  • interbasin transfers;
  • water rights, including environmental flows, junior water rights;
  • the transition of water rights from agricultural to municipal and industrial uses and coordination among transitioning water management authorities;
  • conservation;
  • drought preparedness;
  • and water marketing.

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