Relating to an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from certain requirements applicable to persons involved in activities under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas.

HB 1971 exempts drillers and operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from specific requirements in the Natural Resources Code. It removes the applicability of sections 85.2021 and 91.142 (which typically govern certain well activities) for these operators when they obtain authorization through the Railroad Commission of Texas. The exemption applies to permit applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, streamlining regulatory compliance for this type of geothermal project. This change directly affects geothermal operators seeking to develop closed-loop systems under Railroad Commission oversight.