Environment in Texas | MyRepTracker

introduced · Texas · House Aug 19, 2025

HCR 11: Urging the Department of Homeland Security to expedite the approval of all FEMA applications for flood mitigation projects in Texas.

This concurrent resolution (HCR 11) urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to expedite approval of FEMA flood mitigation funding applications in Texas. It specifically references two stalled projects - the Combes Lateral Drainage Improvement (submitted February 2024) and North Main Drainage Improvement (submitted April 2025) - which remain pending at DHS despite meeting federal requirements. The resolution does not change laws but formally requests faster federal processing to protect communities in flood-prone areas. It is a non-binding request directed to DHS and FEMA, not a legislative mandate.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Natural Disasters Tags Emergency Management

in committee · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 193: Relating to the volume of groundwater production authorized through the issuance of permits by a groundwater conservation district.

HB 193 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new water permits so that total groundwater use (including unpermitted "exempt" use) does not exceed the scientifically modeled available groundwater volume. It directly affects districts issuing permits and individuals/businesses seeking to pump groundwater. The key provision amends the Water Code to mandate districts consider all water use together when setting permit limits, preventing permits from hindering long-term water sustainability goals. The bill is currently pending in the Natural Resources Committee after being filed on August 18, 2025.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Texas · House Aug 25, 2025

HB 294: Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the appraised value of certain residential real property that arises from the installation in the property of certain energy efficiency-related improvements.

HB 294 creates a property tax exemption for residential homeowners in Texas who install qualifying energy efficiency improvements after January 1, 2027. The exemption applies only to properties built before 2011 and covers the increased tax value resulting from improvements like high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, smart thermostats, or solar-ready windows. Homeowners must install these upgrades after 2027 to qualify, and the comptroller will develop guidelines to help local tax officials administer the exemption. This policy directly affects existing residential property owners seeking to reduce long-term tax burdens through energy-efficient home upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Property Tax Tax Incentives Energy Efficiency Solar

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 179: Relating to an alert system for notification of a toxic chemical release by a manufacturing facility.

HB 179 creates a statewide toxic chemical emergency alert system requiring immediate notification when manufacturing facilities release chemicals that endanger public health or the environment. The system mandates that state agencies notify residents within 30 minutes using reverse 9-1-1 calls, texts, emails, and social media in both English and Spanish, with options to customize alerts based on location and chemical movement. Residents near affected facilities will receive geographic threat maps, symptom information, and links to updated safety resources through the system. The bill also allows residents to opt out of receiving alerts and requires the alert system to align with existing emergency notification models. This directly affects communities surrounding manufacturing facilities in Texas.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 15, 2025

SB 28: Relating to the regulation of groundwater produced in the boundaries of a groundwater conservation district.

SB 28 limits groundwater transfers outside a conservation district by restricting permits that would allow an applicant to exceed 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater (effective after December 2025). It requires groundwater districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of neighboring districts in the management area before issuing permits for transfers exceeding 25,000 gallons daily, considering regional water goals. Exceptions apply for potable water transfers to retail utilities within their service areas or emergency interconnects between utilities. The bill directly affects entities seeking large-scale groundwater permits and groundwater conservation districts managing water transfers. These provisions aim to regulate cross-district groundwater use while preserving regional water sustainability goals.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

introduced · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HJR 32: Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the appraised value of certain land that is located in a priority groundwater management area and is not irrigated.

HJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for certain landowners. It would authorize exempting up to 35% of the appraised value of non-irrigated land (at least half an acre) located in designated "priority groundwater management areas." The exemption would not apply to land already covered by other appraisal laws. This change would directly affect landowners in specific groundwater regions who meet the eligibility criteria, but the actual tax relief would depend on future legislation implementing the exemption.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

introduced · Texas · House Aug 25, 2025

HJR 38: Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of residential real property that arises from the installation in the property of certain energy efficiency-related improvements.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for the increased value of residential homes resulting from energy efficiency upgrades, such as solar panels or improved insulation. It would authorize the legislature to define eligible improvements and set requirements for the exemption. The amendment requires voter approval in the May 2026 election. If passed, it would enable local governments to reduce property tax assessments for homeowners who install qualifying energy-saving features.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Energy Efficiency Solar

introduced · Texas · House Aug 22, 2025

HB 292: Relating to a prohibition of the application of biosolids to certain land.

HB 292 regulates the application of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) on non-agricultural land like parks, golf courses, and athletic fields by requiring permits. It mandates detailed quarterly reporting on sludge sources, locations, application dates, and metal content, plus annual compliance verification with nutrient management plans. The bill also requires visible signage at application sites and immediate reporting of violations. These provisions apply to all non-agricultural land applications and specifically target agricultural land in counties with populations between 170,000 and 190,000. The bill does not prohibit biosolids use but establishes strict permitting and transparency requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

in committee · Texas · House Aug 18, 2025

HB 13: Relating to the provision by a political subdivision of credits against impact fees to builders and developers for certain water conservation and reuse projects.

HB 13 requires Texas cities and counties (political subdivisions) to offer fee credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to projects that reduce water use, decrease wastewater infrastructure needs, or lower stormwater demand per service unit, including those exceeding standard efficiency requirements. Political subdivisions must establish fair procedures to calculate, apply, and approve these credits. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 160: Relating to a prohibition of the application of biosolids to certain land.

HB 160 prohibits the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to non-agricultural land, such as public parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. It requires permits for any land application of biosolids on non-agricultural sites, with strict conditions including quarterly reporting on sludge source, location, metals content, and application dates. The bill amends Texas Health and Safety Code Section 361.121 to define "land application unit" and adds new reporting requirements for permit holders. It directly affects municipalities, park departments, and private entities managing non-agricultural land where biosolids might otherwise be used. The law does not restrict agricultural land applications, which are addressed in a separate new section (361.1211).

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Water Quality

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