Renewable Energy Leasing

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) engages in land leases to support the development of solar, wind, and geothermal power plants. As a large mineral estate owner in West Texas, the agency also considers surface site use agreements for the build-out of utility-scale solar facilities. Pursuant to Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 51, the GLO executes leases in the following manner:

• Solar - direct negotiation
• Onshore Wind - direct negotiation
• Onshore Geothermal - direct negotiation
• Offshore Geothermal - public bid

• Senate Bill 991 - 84th Legislative Session
  Relating to a requirement that the General Land Office conduct a study regarding the use of wind or solar power to desalinate brackish groundwater. (This bill signed by the Governor 6/16/2015 and is effective immediately)

Water Project Development

The GLO engages in project development efforts related to marine seawater desalination, produced water, and brackish groundwater. The agency appreciates the crucial need for water supply and water management activities related to the municipal, industrial, agricultural, and exploration and production offtake segments. The GLO is actively seeking input from outside parties to develop Texas water projects.

• House Bill 2031 - 84th Legislative Session
  Relating to the diversion, treatment, and use of marine seawater and the discharge of treated marine seawater and waste resulting from the desalination of marine seawater; adding provisions subject to a criminal penalty. (This bill signed by the Governor 6/17/2015 and is effective immediately)
• House Bill 4097 - 84th Legislative Session
  Relating to seawater desalination projects. (This bill signed by the Governor 6/17/2015 and is effective immediately)
• Texas Natural Resources Code, Title 3, Subtitle D, Chapter 122, Section 122.001
  Relating to treatment and recycling for beneficial use of certain oil and gas waste.