Texas Water Code
§ 27.037 — JURISDICTION OVER CLOSED-LOOP GEOTHERMAL INJECTION WELLS
WA § 27.037Title 2. WATER ADMINISTRATION · Part D. WATER QUALITY CONTROL · Ch. 27. INJECTION WELLS · Art. C. OIL AND GAS WASTE; INJECTION WELLS
Statute text
View on source(a)In this section, "closed-loop geothermal injection well" means a closed system geothermal well used to circulate water, other fluids, or gases through the earth as a heat source or heat sink to generate power or heat or cool a structure.
(b)The railroad commission has jurisdiction over closed-loop geothermal injection wells and may issue permits for closed-loop geothermal injection wells, including individual permits, general permits, or permits by rule.
(c)A person may not begin drilling a closed-loop geothermal injection well unless that person holds a valid permit issued by the railroad commission under this section. (c-1) Sections 85.2021 and 91.142, Natural Resources Code, do not apply to a person who submits a request for authorization or is authorized to use a valid permit by rule issued by the railroad commission under this section.
(d)For purposes of railroad commission regulation, a closed-loop geothermal injection well is designated as a Class V well under the underground injection control program administered by the railroad commission.
(e)The railroad commission shall adopt rules as necessary to administer this section and regulate closed-loop geothermal injection wells. Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 343 (S.B. 786), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023. Amended by:
Legislative history
Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 45 (S.B. 879), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.