AUSTIN – The Foundation’s Center for Local Governance Director James Quintero and Armstrong Center for Energy & Environment Leigh Thompson issued the following statements on Governor Abbott signing into law House Bill 40, which clarifies that the regulation of oil and gas operations is under the jurisdiction of the state:
“By signing House Bill 40 into law, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken some important steps to protect private property rights from local government overreach,” said Quintero. “With HB 40 set to go into effect, state officials have sent a clear signal that unchecked local regulation will not be ignored, particularly on matters of statewide economic importance.”
“Municipal fracking bans threaten to reach into the pockets of every Texan on the basis of emotional appeals based on flawed science," said Thompson. "The Governor’s signature today on HB 40 protects Texas’ vast economic interest as well as Texans real property interest in our oil and gas.”
James Quintero is director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Leigh Thompson is a policy analyst with the Armstrong Center for Energy and the Environment at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin, Texas.