AUSTIN Legislation sponsored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, to ensure gasoline and diesel powered engines can never be outlawed by local governments in the state of Texas passed out of the Texas House of Representatives on Tuesday. Senate Bill 1017, the companion legislation to House Bill 2374 filed by Landgraf, passed out of the House by a vote of 116 to 30.
“This is a win for consumer freedom and Texas energy,” Landgraf said. “SB 1017 is about individual liberty, and when people are free to choose and the market is allowed to be competitive, Texas oil and natural gas always win. It’s an honor to fight for the hard-working men and women of the Permian Basin, to fight for freedom and for energy independence.”
SB 1017 prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing any rule or ordinance that would limit access to gasoline, diesel, or any other fuel source. The bill prohibits gas stations from being banned as any other related wholesaler, retailer, energy producer, or infrastructure necessary to provide access to a specific energy source. The legislation also ensures local governments cannot directly or indirectly prohibit or restrict the use, sale, or lease of an engine based on its fuel source.
“SB 1017 will be a bulwark against local politicians who want to undermine the individual liberties of Texans and the industry that makes the heart of Texas beat,” Landgraf continued. “I will keep fighting for common sense legislation like this that makes Texas more free and protects oil and gas jobs. No big-city politicians are going to California our Texas on my watch.”
It was recently announced that the Dallas city council is planning to phase out the use of gas-powered tools by 2027. The state of California is banning all small-gas powered engines by 2024, with some communities outlawing gas stations altogether.
SB 1017 will be sent to Governor Abbott to be signed into law after the Senate reviews changes made to the bill in the House. Landgraf and the other members of the Texas legislature convened at the Texas Capitol building for the 88th Texas Legislative Session on January 10. Members of the Texas House and Texas Senate meet for a 140-day regular session beginning the second Tuesday in January every odd-numbered year to vote on legislation and pass a balanced state budget.
