What about this gas tank's rights????
Because it wouldn't be the Lone Star State if there weren't oil and natural gas dripping from the points of the star, Texas legislators are one step closer to stopping local municipalities from
making their own decisions:
Fraser described the measure as an effort to avoid double regulation of the state's most profitable industry. It would clarify that the state is the ultimate authority when setting policies related to oil and gas exploration. Under the Senate version of HB 40, cities would still exercise limited regulatory authority on above-ground oil and gas exploration activities, including things like fire and emergency response, noise and light pollution or traffic concerns. Ordinances to that effect must be reasonable and can still be preempted by state or federal laws. An ordinance that has been in effect for five years alongside oil and gas production in the area is considered automatically reasonable if it is challenged in court, putting the burden of proof on the plaintiff in such cases. The bill will now head to the Governor's desk where, if signed, it will become law.
Keep big government out of my home! Just replace "my home" with "big business interests" and you've got yourself a more honest motto.