Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023.
Section 131.038 - Reasons for Unsuitable Designation After the survey is made, an area may be designated unsuitable for all or certain types of surface mining if:
(1) the commission determines that reclamation under this chapter is not feasible;(2) the operations will result in significant damage to important areas of historic, cultural, or archaeological value or to important natural systems;(3) the operations will affect renewable resource land that includes aquifers and aquifer recharge areas, resulting in a substantial loss or reduction of long-range productivity of water supply or food or fiber products;(4) the operations are located in an area subject to frequent flooding or an area that is geologically unstable and may reasonably be expected to endanger life and property;(5) the operations will adversely affect any national park, national monument, national historic landmark, property listed on the national register of historic places, national forest, national wilderness area, national wildlife refuge, national wild and scenic river area, state park, state wildlife refuge, state forest, recorded Texas historic landmark, state historic site, state archaeological landmark, or city or county park; or(6) the operations would endanger any public road, public building, cemetery, school, church, or similar structure or existing dwelling outside the permit area.Tex. Nat. Res. Code § 131.038
Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2613, ch. 871, art. I, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1977.