AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) -- The Texas Senate passed House Bill 27 on Tuesday, allowing an East Texas groundwater study, but eliminating 16-month pause on drilling permits.

On Aug. 25, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 27, written by State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine). HB 27 requires the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to conduct a study on the effects of drilling permits on the Neches and Trinity Valley Groundwater District.

HB 27 also pushed for lawmakers to allow a 16-month pause on approving drilling permits while the TWDB conducted its study. The bill made its way to the Texas Senate and received a 26-1 vote in favor of its cause, but with a twist.

The Texas Senate eliminated the option of putting a 16-month pause on the drilling permits, and now the Texas Hous

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