Texas Agriculture Commissioner on Fracking Water Use and Water Security

Fracking Water for Agriculture

• 💧 Texas farmers are open to using treated fracking water for crops, provided it is clean, pure water that can be used for growth.
• ⚠️ The water must be cleaned to remove harmful heavy metals and chemicals, not just treated, to meet strict guidelines set by the TCEQ.
• 🛢️ A better immediate use for fracking water is within the fracking industry itself, promoting reuse and reducing reliance on deep injection wells that can cause earthquakes.

Water Treatment and Technology

• 🔬 The technology to clean fracking water to usable standards is considered close to being achievable, with AI and current technology making it feasible.
• ⚙️ Several treatment companies have applied for permits to discharge or dispose of this water, indicating progress in developing solutions.

Farmer Priorities and Water Legislation

• 🌾 While fracking water is a possibility, Texas farmers are currently more focused on issues like water treatment with Mexico, stormwater drainage, and off-channel storage.
• 📜 House Bill 49, which would protect oil and gas companies from liability related to the use of fracking water, has passed the House and is awaiting Senate action, with a potential for passage.
• ⚖️ Liability protection for companies using treated fracking water is seen as acceptable if they adhere to rigorous, strict guidelines and oversight from the TCEQ.

Other Agricultural and Water Issues

• 🌾 A ban on THC has no significant impact on Texas farmers, who are shifting focus from THC hemp to industrial hemp for fiber and manufactured goods.
• 🧪 Efforts to regulate forever chemicals (PFAS) in sewage sludge used as fertilizer have stalled, despite the need to remove these contaminants before land application.
• 🌊 Governor Greg Abbott declared a water emergency, and while progress has been slow, there is optimism for positive water legislation this session, focusing on infrastructure improvements and water conservation.