RRC has new proposed rules for public comment to administer legislation in the geothermal energy front in Texas. Senate Bill 786 transfers regulatory authority of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission, allowing the RRC jurisdiction and permitting authority for these types of wells. The new rules address shallow closed-loop geothermal systems, including the associated injection wells, which are used to heat or cool buildings without conversion to electricity. The proposed rules require engineering and infrastructure safety measures to ensure protection of groundwater. The proposed new rules and comment forms are available here. The deadline for comments is November 12, 2024.