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HB 3535

Relating to requiring backup generation at certain wastewater treatment facilities.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Caroline Harris Davila

Texas bill requiring wastewater treatment facilities to install backup generators, ensuring operations during power outages and preventing public health risks from facility shutdowns.

Referred to Environmental Regulation
#disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #environmentalquality #texascommissionon(v0334) #environment--water(i0320) #utilities--electric(i0831) #utilities--water&sewer(i0002)
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Bill Summary · HB 3535

Legislative bill overview

HB 3535 requires certain wastewater treatment facilities in Texas to install and maintain backup generation capacity. The bill appears designed to ensure continuous operation of critical wastewater infrastructure during power outages or grid disruptions. This would apply to facilities meeting unspecified criteria, likely based on size, service area population, or other operational thresholds.

Why is this important

Wastewater treatment facility shutdowns during power outages can result in untreated sewage discharge into waterways, creating public health hazards, environmental contamination, and water quality violations. The 2021 Texas winter storm demonstrated vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure resilience. Backup generation requirements improve system reliability and protect communities from sanitation failures.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Installation and maintenance of backup generators represent significant capital and operational expenses that may be passed to ratepayers or require public funding, particularly affecting smaller municipalities
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's specific applicability criteria are unclear from the description—which facilities must comply, and what capacity levels are required remain to be defined
  • Regulatory feasibility: Questions about space constraints, fuel supply logistics, environmental permitting for generators, and coordination with grid operators may create implementation challenges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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