Latest news with #KevinSparks
Associated Press
7 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
What Texas lawmakers did after the state's largest wildfire
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state's largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations. Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Rep. Ken King, a Republican who lives in Canadian where much of the damage from the wildfires took place, co-sponsored the bill. King led the House committee that investigated the fires and later released a detailed report about the disaster. 'We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what's right for our volunteer firefighters,' King said. 'Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.' The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study to determine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation. Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass. The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these risk zones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a previous statement. Another recommendation from the House committee report was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed. Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas' forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory. One of King's bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory 'no man's land,' as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. Under King's bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notify the Public Utility Commission when it identifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner. The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service. While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state's response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies. House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the 'boldest move' he's seen in his career. That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What Texas lawmakers did after the state's largest wildfire
LUBBOCK — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state's largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations. Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Rep. Ken King, a Republican who lives in Canadian where much of the damage from the wildfires took place, co-sponsored the bill. King led the House committee that investigated the fires and later released a detailed report about the disaster. 'We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what's right for our volunteer firefighters,' King said. 'Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.' The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study to determine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation. Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass. The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these risk zones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a previous statement. Another recommendation from the House committee report was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed. Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas' forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory. One of King's bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory 'no man's land,' as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. Under King's bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notify the Public Utility Commission when it identifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner. The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service. While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state's response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies. House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the 'boldest move' he's seen in his career. That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate. Disclosure: Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Smithee introduces bill to transfer management of PPHM
A new bill filed in the Texas Legislature seeks to transfer management of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) in Canyon from West Texas A&M University to the Texas Historical Commission (THC), aiming to strengthen preservation and operation of one of the state's key cultural institutions. Filed as an amendment to the Texas Government Code, HB 5554, introduced by State Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo), would authorize the THC to contract with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, which owns the museum's collection, for day-to-day management. The bill also allows the THC to enter into agreements with West Texas A&M University or The Texas A&M University System for the maintenance, renovation, and expansion of the museum facilities on the university's campus. A key provision of the bill is the establishment of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Fund, a dedicated source of funding outside the state treasury. This fund would be supported through admissions, gift shop sales, and donations, allowing the THC to use the funds for operational expenses, repairs, and growth without the need for legislative approval. If the bill is passed, museum staff currently employed by West Texas A&M would transition to the THC by Sept. 1, 2025. For the bill to take effect immediately, it must pass with a two-thirds majority vote in both the Texas House and Senate. Otherwise, it would go into effect on the specified date. The bill is aimed at securing the future of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, ensuring it remains a vital part of Texas' cultural heritage. Supporters of the measure argue that transferring management to the Texas Historical Commission would provide the focused expertise needed to preserve the museum's collection and address its long-term operational needs. This legislative effort follows the recent closure of the museum after a State Fire Marshal report highlighted critical fire and life safety concerns. According to West Texas A&M, the museum shut its doors indefinitely to address issues such as sprinkler system deficiencies, dead-end hallways, and inadequate exits. The total cost of the required renovations is estimated at nearly $100 million. State Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-Midland) has filed an identical companion bill in the Senate, and both bills will be reviewed in the coming months. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas bills filed on Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Management
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers want to give state more oversight, resources for wildfire management
LUBBOCK — A year after devastating wildfires engulfed the Panhandle, killing three people and burning millions of acres, Texas lawmakers have filed a slate of legislation aimed at mitigating the risks and damage of future blazes. Three Republicans — state Sen. Kevin Sparks of Midland, state Rep. Ken King of Canadian, and state Rep. Caroline Fairly of Amarillo — are carrying the package of bills. Their proposed legislation would give two state agencies more oversight of unregulated power lines, increase funding for rural volunteer fire departments and create a database of firefighting equipment available during a wildfire. The House Investigative Committee tasked with probing the wildfires concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started at least two of the blazes. The Smokehouse Creek Fire, which grew to be the largest fire in Texas history, was ignited after a decayed power pole snapped and landed in dry grass, the committee found. Data from Texas A&M Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. King's House Bill 2453 would require the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, and the Public Utility Commission to notify electric utilities when substandard power lines are found at well sites or at facilities used for oil and gas development or production. The two state agencies would also be required to request an inspection from the state fire marshal or a local government. That bill seeks to address what King and other lawmakers have called a regulatory 'no man's land.' The PUC, which regulates the state's utilities market, previously said it does not have the authority to inspect oilfield power lines. The Railroad Commission also said inspecting electrical lines is not in their respective jurisdictions. King, who led the House Committee investigating the fires, previously told the Tribune that he wanted the Railroad Commission to write a rule defining its role instead of pushing a new law to address it. Both agencies have worked with lawmakers since, King said, to refine their role. 'The agencies feel like they need some direction from the Legislature to do their part and stop these ignition sources,' King said. After the East Amarillo Complex Fire in 2006, Texas lawmakers passed a law that required oilfield operators to build and maintain their power lines according to the National Electrical Code. However, the law did not specify a penalty or an agency to enforce it, so there were no consequences for violating it. Adrian Shelley, Texas director of the public interest nonprofit Public Citizen, said HB 2453 is a step in the right direction but still falls short. He said the bill only requires the Railroad Commission to notify the PUC of substandard power lines or facilities that oil and gas regulators inspect. It does not address how the commission handles low-producing or abandoned well sites. According to the report, well operators lose their incentive to maintain the site when production capacity is low. However, there is still electrical equipment, such as breaker boxes, wires or poles, that can potentially start fires if they're damaged or deteriorating. The House committee that investigated last year's fires heard from witnesses that those abandoned and low-producing well sites, called stripper wells, are a common culprit contributing to wildfires. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, there are at least 6,489 abandoned well sites in Texas as of last year. In the wildfire investigative report, the committee said regulatory oversight of producers who own low-producing well sites is 'grossly deficient.' Shelley said the Legislature needs to give the commission the money it needs to address these sites and to track the rate of new abandoned wells. 'That problem is not addressed,' Shelley said. 'It can only do as much as it's funded to do, so the Legislature needs to get serious about giving the money to address this.' House Bill 3091, filed by state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, would create a fund for injection and abandoned wells cleanup. While King is not carrying that bill, he said orphan wells are a problem in Texas and have been for a long time. Craig Cowden, a rancher in Canadian, said it's critical for HB 2453 to get passed. Cowden has a lot of oil wells on his land and started inspecting each one after the fires. He reports any violations to the Railroad Commission. So far, he has inspected 75 wells. 'If we can get the sources of the ignition stopped or decreased, then we would be saving Texas taxpayer dollars tremendously,' Cowden said, referring to the cost for state agencies to respond to wildfires. According to the investigative report, it cost Texas A&M Forest Service more than $16 million to respond and the Texas Department of Transportation at least $540,000. There are other bills that could help strengthen the response to wildfires. Volunteer fire departments in the Panhandle were at the forefront of battling the fires last year. However, some of the departments were using expired gear, old respirators and radios that were not working. Rural volunteer fire departments typically have tight budgets and rely on hand-me-down equipment if they can't afford their own. Senate Bill 868 calls for the cap to be removed from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program to clear the backlog of funding requests. According to a statement from Sen. Sparks, the backlog has ballooned to almost $200 million, leaving fire departments waiting for assistance. The bill would also allocate at least 10% of the funds to be used on volunteer fire departments in areas of the state that are at high risk for large wildfires. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a statement. Another issue that came up during the fires was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies and a lack of knowing what equipment the agencies have. There were also problems getting firefighting air support on the scene in a timely manner, due to high winds and none being available. Texas A&M Forest Service tracks their equipment by office location. Senate Bill 767, along with Fairly's companion House Bill 2063, directs A&M Forest Service, with legislative support, to create a database of statewide firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. The bill states it must include equipment descriptions, contact information for fire departments and allow searches by location and equipment types. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs and engages with Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas wildfires: Lawmakers want more oversight, resources
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Bills introduced a year after largest blaze in Texas seek to limit wildfires
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — A year after devastating wildfires engulfed the Panhandle, killing three people and burning millions of acres, Texas lawmakers have filed a slate of legislation aimed at mitigating the risks and damage of future blazes. Three Republicans — state Sen. Kevin Sparks of Midland, state Rep. Ken King of Canadian, and state Rep. Caroline Fairly of Amarillo — are carrying the package of bills. Their proposed legislation would give two state agencies more oversight of unregulated power lines, increase funding for rural volunteer fire departments and create a database of firefighting equipment available during a wildfire. The House Investigative Committee tasked with probing the wildfires concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started at least two of the blazes. The Smokehouse Creek Fire, which grew to be the largest fire in Texas history, was ignited after a decayed power pole snapped and landed in dry grass, the committee found. Data from Texas A&M Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. King's House Bill 2453 would require the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, and the Public Utility Commission to notify electric utilities when substandard power lines are found at well sites or at facilities used for oil and gas development or production. The two state agencies would also be required to request an inspection from the state fire marshal or a local government. That bill seeks to address what King and other lawmakers have called a regulatory 'no man's land.' The PUC, which regulates the state's utilities market, previously said it does not have the authority to inspect oilfield power lines. The Railroad Commission also said inspecting electrical lines is not in their respective jurisdictions. King, who led the House Committee investigating the fires, previously told the Tribune that he wanted the Railroad Commission to write a rule defining its role instead of pushing a new law to address it. Both agencies have worked with lawmakers since, King said, to refine their role. 'The agencies feel like they need some direction from the Legislature to do their part and stop these ignition sources,' King said. After the East Amarillo Complex Fire in 2006, Texas legislators passed a law that required oilfield operators to build and maintain their power lines according to the National Electrical Code. However, the law did not specify a penalty or an agency to enforce it, so there were no consequences for violating it. Adrian Shelley, Texas director of the public interest nonprofit Public Citizen, said HB 2453 is a step in the right direction but still falls short. He said the bill only requires the Railroad Commission to notify the PUC of substandard power lines or facilities that oil and gas regulators inspect. It does not address how the commission handles low-producing or abandoned well sites. According to the report, well operators lose their incentive to maintain the site when production capacity is low. However, there is still electrical equipment, such as breaker boxes, wires, or poles that can potentially start fires if they're damaged or deteriorating. The House committee that investigated last year's fires heard from witnesses that those abandoned and low-producing well sites, called stripper wells, are a common culprit contributing to wildfires. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, there are at least 6,489 abandoned well sites in Texas as of last year. In the wildfire investigative report, the committee said regulatory oversight of producers who own low-producing well sites is 'grossly deficient.' Shelley said the Legislature needs to give the commission the money it needs to address these sites and to track the rate of new abandoned wells. 'That problem is not addressed,' Shelley said. 'It can only do as much as it's funded to do, so the Legislature needs to get serious about giving the money to address this.' House Bill 3091, filed by state Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin, would create a fund for injection and abandoned wells cleanup. While King is not carrying that bill, he said orphan wells are a problem in Texas and have been for a long time. Craig Cowden, a rancher in Canadian, said it's critical for HB 2453 to get passed. Cowden has a lot of oil wells on his land, and started inspecting each one after the fires. He reports any violations to the Railroad Commission. So far he has inspected 75 wells. 'If we can get the sources of the ignition stopped or decreased, then we would be saving Texas taxpayer dollars tremendously,' Cowden said, referring to the cost for state agencies to respond to wildfires. According to the investigative report, it cost Texas A&M Forest Service more than $16 million to respond and the Texas Department of Transportation at least $540,000. There are other bills that could help strengthen the response to wildfires. Volunteer departments in the Panhandle were at the forefront of battling the fires last year. However, some of the departments were using expired gear, old respirators, and radios that were not working. Rural volunteer fire departments typically have tight budgets, and rely on hand-me-down equipment if they can't afford their own. Senate Bill 868 calls for the cap to be removed from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program to clear the backlog of funding requests. According to a statement from Sen. Sparks, the backlog has ballooned to almost $200 million, leaving fire departments waiting to receive assistance. The bill would also allocate at least 10% of the funds to be used on volunteer fire departments in areas of the state that are at high-risk for large wildfires. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a statement. Another issue that came up during the fires was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies and a lack of knowing what equipment the agencies have. There were also problems getting firefighting air support on the scene in a timely manner, due to high winds and none being available. Texas A&M Forest Service tracks their equipment by office location. Senate Bill 767, along with Fairly's companion House Bill 2063, directs A&M Forest Service, with legislative support, to create a database of statewide firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. The bill states it must include equipment descriptions, contact information for fire departments, and allow searches by location and equipment types. ___
