Senate committee hears bill to set deadlines for LNG export terminal permit steps

The Senate Natural Resources Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2037 on an expedited state permitting track for liquefied natural gas export terminals.

SB 2037, filed by Senator Sparks, would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to adopt an expedited review process for air-quality and wastewater permit amendments and applications for LNG export terminals; require the TCEQ executive director to respond to relevant public comments on draft permits within 120 days after the comment period ends; require an extra applicant fee to fund the expedited review; and require the State Office of Administrative Hearings to hold a preliminary contested‑case hearing within 30 days if a…