Committee on Natural Resources hears split testimony on SB 17 57 standard permit for aggregate operations

The Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development opened public testimony on Senate Bill 17 57 and its committee substitute, a proposal to create a standalone standard permit option for aggregate production operations (APOs). Witnesses from industry, trade associations and community groups testified for and against the substitute, and the committee left the bill pending.

The bill’s committee substitute would authorize a new standard permitting pathway for quarries and rock-crushing operations while preserving existing authorizations, according to industry witnesses. Cal Kinkade of Texas Materials, speaking as environmental chair for the Associated General Contractors of Texas, said the substitute “would present another option for regulated entities to consider and that it would be voluntary, not mandatory.” Rich Saatchi of the Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association said the industry sought “practical regulation that’s protective of both the industry and the communities that we serve.”

Opponents said the substitute does not give sufficient safeguards to nearby residents. Mark Friesenhan, who…