AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has opened a public comment period on proposed rules that would allow treated oil and gas wastewater to be applied to land in Texas, with comments due through June 16, under a proposal tied to Senate Bill 1145 on Wednesday.
The proposal would transfer oversight of permits for produced water from the Railroad Commission of Texas to the TCEQ and require the agency to set treatment standards for the reuse of wastewater from oil and gas extraction.
Supporters say Texas should expand alternative water sources as population growth, industrial demand and recurring drought increase pressure on freshwater supplies. They cite estimates from Texas A&M that the oil and gas industry produces more than 20 million barrels of wastewater daily and note that most of it is currently disposed of through underground injection.
Environmental groups and other critics have raised concerns about the proposal, citing potential contaminants in produced water, including heavy metals, radioactive materials and other chemicals linked to oil and gas activity. They have also called for stricter standards, additional testing and an extension of the public comment period.
Debate over the proposal also includes House Bill 49, which would provide legal protections to companies that comply with state regulations if health issues later emerge from approved reuse projects.
The TCEQ has held a public hearing on the proposal and will review submitted comments before deciding whether to proceed with the rule changes. Comments may be submitted electronically and must reference Project Rule Number 2026-006-309-OW.