Texas Considers Bills Against Biden Administration’s Stance on Oil, Gas, and Renewables

Texas is considering bills that would put the state in opposition to the Biden administration’s stance on oil and gas, as well as renewable energy. One bill, H.B. 33, would prevent state officials from enforcing any federal oil and gas law that contradicts Texas state law. This bipartisan bill would ban state officials and agencies from providing assistance to any federal agency or official regarding the enforcement of federal regulations regulating oil and gas operations that are not already existing in state law.

Other proposed bills aim to ban potential prohibitions on gas-powered lawn equipment or gas hookups, tax non-gas-powered electric generators, and create fees for hybrid and electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the state Senate is also considering bills that would require all solar and wind projects in the state to undergo strict permitting and environmental regulations and notify all property owners within 25 miles of the plan. However, there are no similar requirements for the oil and gas industry.