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The Texas Legislature has given oil and gas companies legal cover to sell wastewater to be treated and released into the state’s rivers, lakes and streams.

State Rep. Drew Darby’s House Bill 49 — on its way to Gov. Greg Abbott — marks a step the oil and gas industry has said is a key barrier to expanding the treatment of the brine it generates, known as produced water, and making it available for reuse.

The bill protects landowners, oil, treatment and transportation companies from liability should consequences arise after they sell or treat the liquid.

In Texas, record oil and gas production is only outmatched

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