(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.

Terms Used In Texas Water Code 27.037

  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • Rule: includes regulation. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(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.
(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.

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