AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Energy companies engaging in fracking and other oil and gas exploration would be excused from some possible litigation involving recycled waste water under a bill approved by the Texas House.
The measure has been cheered by oil and gas companies, who say it will encourage recycling water from fracking and other oilfield activities.
But opponents say it shifts ownership and liability from the waste water’s producer to firms paid to recycle it.
They say that will make it harder to hold producers responsible for problems.
A Democratic effort to block the measure in the House using a parliamentary procedure failed Wednesday. Lawmakers then passed it with a voice vote.
The bill sponsored by Weatherford Republican Rep. Phil King must clear a final, procedural hurdle before heading to the Senate.