WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 4526

Relating to the establishment of a grant program by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to plug abandoned and deteriorating water wells.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mando Martinez

HB 4526 establishes a TDLR grant program to fund plugging of abandoned Texas water wells, addressing environmental contamination and safety hazards.

Referred to Natural Resources
#environment--water(i0320) #licensing&regulation #texasdepartmentof(v8529) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #specialdistricts&authorities--groundwaterconservedist.(i0013) #statefinances--management&control(i0748) #water--development(i0875) #water--general(i0885)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4526

Legislative bill overview

HB 4526 would authorize the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to establish a grant program funding the plugging and remediation of abandoned and deteriorating water wells across Texas. The bill creates a mechanism for financial assistance to property owners and entities responsible for properly closing non-functional wells that pose environmental and safety risks.

Why is this important

Abandoned wells create significant public health and environmental hazards, including groundwater contamination, methane emissions, and physical safety dangers. Texas has thousands of unplugged wells, and many property owners lack resources to properly seal them; this grant program could incentivize compliance with well-closure standards and reduce long-term environmental liability.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill doesn't specify how the grant program would be funded, raising questions about budget impact and whether existing agency resources would be diverted
  • Implementation costs: TDLR would need new administrative capacity to manage applications, inspections, and compliance tracking, with unclear staffing implications
  • Eligibility criteria: The bill doesn't define which wells qualify, property owner income thresholds, or geographic priorities, leaving substantial discretion to the agency
  • Liability allocation: Unclear whether grant recipients receive liability protection after plugging, potentially creating disputes over historical contamination responsibility

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

Sign in to ask a question.