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SB 2506

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 Adam Hinojosa

SB 2506 creates a Texas grant program to fund plugging and abandonment of deteriorating water wells, addressing environmental and safety hazards statewide.

Referred to Business & Commerce
#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)
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Bill Summary · SB 2506

Legislative bill overview

SB 2506 would establish a grant program administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to fund the plugging and abandonment of deteriorating and abandoned water wells across the state. The bill provides financial assistance to property owners or entities responsible for securing these wells, which pose environmental and safety hazards.

Why is this important

Abandoned and deteriorating wells create significant public health and environmental risks, including groundwater contamination, surface collapse hazards, and potential methane release. Texas has thousands of such wells, and without intervention, remediation costs accumulate while environmental damage spreads—making a dedicated funding mechanism economically and environmentally prudent.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill's text (as introduced) does not specify how the grant program will be funded or what budget allocation it requires, raising questions about fiscal impact and prioritization among competing state programs
  • Liability and responsibility assignment: Determining who bears financial responsibility for plugging wells—current property owners, historical operators, or the state—could create disputes and affect program uptake and fairness
  • Program scope and prioritization: Without clear criteria for grant distribution, there may be competition for limited funds, questions about geographic equity, and uncertainty about which wells get addressed first

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

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