HB 821 -- The Texas Competitive Gas Market Act

Apparently Texas hasn't learned much in the energy deregulation game. Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) has filed HB 821 to deregulate the transportation of natural gas. Although this bill won't necessarily have a direct correlation with higher natural gas prices in the near future (if it passes), that possibility isn't entirely ruled out.

The Railroad Commission currently manages and oversees the transportation of natural gas. This bill would allow for any gas utility - not the Railroad Commission - to do so, and a gas utility would be required to "transport natural gas on behalf of any person requesting transportation," without preference or discrimination. Basically this bill allows for any gas utility to transport the goods, and the Railroad Commission determines how much money they will receive.

The prices of transportation are still subject to regulation, but I'll continue to watch my pocketbook.