Panel advances bill to allow recovery of iodine from produced 'brine' water; members ask about treatment and disposal safeguards
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Summary
House Bill 43 38 (transcribed in committee as the 'Bridal Act') would create a commercial pathway to recover iodine from produced (brine) wastewater instead of deep disposal; sponsor said the bill does not change disposal rules, but members pressed about treatment before return to the water table and environmental safeguards. The committee reported the bill out with a do‑pass recommendation.
Representative Tim Moore, speaking as sponsor, described House Bill 43 38 as a measure to treat some produced wastewater as a recoverable source of dissolved iodine rather than a waste stream designated for deep disposal. "What this bill would do is allow those oil and gas operators that are just paying someone to dispose of this brine water ... this gives them an additional revenue source," Moore said, arguing that capturing iodine from brine could increase Oklahoma's iodine production.
Committee members asked whether the bill changes disposal rules and whether treated water would be safe when returned to the water table. Moore replied the bill "does not change anything with regard to the disposal of wastewater" and said several operators are already exploring recycling and reuse; he emphasized industry oversight and ongoing technology development. Moore also asserted that Oklahoma currently disposes of almost four times the amount of iodine that is captured in-state and that processing brine could raise the state's global ranking in iodine production.
Members asked about environmental safeguards, treatment technology and regulatory oversight. Moore said the industry is working on recycling and reuse and that operators are ‘‘phenomenal partners’’ in ensuring regulated and safe practices, but the committee discussion included requests for clarity about treatment standards and whether injected or returned water would be improved in quality.
The committee adopted the PCS and reported HB 43 38 out of committee by voice vote (announced in committee as 11 aye, 0 nay).
Why it matters: recovering iodine from produced water could create local economic value for surface owners and operators and change disposal volumes, but it raises questions about environmental controls, the chemistry of treated brine, and any changes to disposal or injection practices that protect groundwater.
Next steps: HB 43 38 advances to the next stage of the legislative process; sponsors and regulatory agencies will need to clarify technical standards for treatment and the interplay with existing disposal rules.