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SB1147

Regular Session

Relating to the withdrawal of the State of Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact.

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
SB1147
Low
Relating to the withdrawal of the State of Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Office of the GovernorRailroad Commission of Texas
Primary Author: Sen. Brian Birdwell
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025.
  • Compliance Deadline: Late 2026 (Projected). The repeal of Chapter 132 (Natural Resources Code) and the abolition of the Texas Mining Council occur exactly one year after the Governor publishes the withdrawal notice in the *Texas Register*.
  • Agency Rulemaking: No mandatory rulemaking is triggered. However, the RRC may issue administrative updates to remove references to the Compact from guidance documents after the one-year transition period.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Maintain SOPs: Instruct operations teams that RRC inspection and permitting cycles remain unchanged.
  • Audit Legal References: Scan internal compliance manuals and partnership agreements for references to "Chapter 132" or the "Interstate Mining Compact" and schedule them for deletion in Q3 2026.
  • Monitor the Register: Track the *Texas Register* in late 2025 for the Governor’s formal withdrawal notice to establish the exact date of the Council's abolition.
  • Review Lobbying Spend: Reallocate budget previously designated for Texas Mining Council relations toward direct RRC engagement.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Government Relations: Review engagement letters with lobbyists or consultants. Scopes of work focused on the Texas Mining Council will become void in late 2026.
  • Joint Ventures & MSAs: Audit agreements for "Compliance with Law" clauses that specifically cite Chapter 132 of the Natural Resources Code. These citations must be removed or amended prior to the repeal date to avoid contractual ambiguity.

Hiring/Training

  • No new training or certification requirements are imposed.
  • Advisory: Ensure regulatory affairs staff understand that the RRC remains the sole authority; do not direct inquiries to the dissolving Mining Council.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • No Change: Continue all current reporting to the RRC.
  • No New Forms: The withdrawal removes a layer of bureaucracy; it does not add one.

Fees & Costs

  • No Impact: There are no fee increases or new levies associated with this withdrawal.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

Federal Advocacy Vacuum:

The Interstate Mining Compact Commission historically coordinated state responses to federal regulations from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). By withdrawing, Texas loses its voting seat and formal coalition partners.

  • Watch For: A shift in how the RRC handles federal disputes. Without the Compact's collective bargaining power, the RRC may adopt a more aggressive, unilateral legal posture against federal overreach.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Feb 6, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 8, 2025
Passed House
Apr 29, 2025
Signed
May 13, 2025
TopicsIntergovernmental RelationsMines & Mineral ResourcesTexas Mining Council
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Brian BirdwellRepublican · Primary Author

House Sponsors

Rep. Paul DysonRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Joint Sponsors

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1147

Q

What does Texas SB1147 do?

SB 1147 mandates the withdrawal of Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) and abolishes the Texas Mining Council. This legislation alters the state's political governance structure regarding mining policy but does not change current permitting, inspection, or reclamation standards enforced by the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025.

Q

Who authored SB1147?

SB1147 was authored by Texas Senator Brian Birdwell during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB1147 signed into law?

SB1147 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 13, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB1147?

SB1147 is enforced by Office of the Governor and Railroad Commission of Texas.

Q

How urgent is compliance with SB1147?

The compliance urgency for SB1147 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB1147?

The cost impact of SB1147 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB1147 address?

SB1147 addresses topics including intergovernmental relations, mines & mineral resources and texas mining council.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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