The National Waste & Recycling Association Texas chapter submitted testimonyin favor of House Bill 631, which clarifies that an applicant for a landfill permit would only need approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and no other county or local jurisdiction. The bill does not affect a local jurisdiction’s ability to exercise its existing authority.
“This bill brings important regulatory reform to a process that can often lead to confusion and delay. TCEQ’s current solid waste permitting process is thorough and includes considerable protections for public health and the environment,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “This bill would clarify TCEQ’s role as the lead regulator for landfill permitting in Texas and we urge its swift adoption.”