- (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.
Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 45 (S.B. 879), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.