SB879 - Relating to an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from certain requirements applicable to persons involved in activities under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas.

      S.B. No. 879         AN ACT   relating to an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop   geothermal injection wells from certain requirements applicable to   persons involved in activities under the jurisdiction of the   Railroad Commission of Texas.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 27.037, Water Code, is amended by adding   Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:           (c-1)     Sections 85.2021 and 91.142, Natural Resources Code,   do not apply to a person who submits a request for authorization or   is authorized to use a valid permit by rule issued by the railroad   commission under this section.          SECTION 2.  Section 27.037, Water Code, as amended by this   Act, applies to a permit application or materially amended permit   application that is filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas on   or after the effective date of this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.             ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                 I hereby certify that S.B. No. 879 passed the Senate on   April 3, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.       ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate                I hereby certify that S.B. No. 879 passed the House on   May 2, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 122, Nays 0, two present   not voting.       ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House            Approved:     ______________________________                Date       ______________________________              Governor