Texas Water Code 13.451 – Issuance of Emergency Order
(a) The utility commission may issue an emergency order authorized under this chapter after providing the notice and opportunity for a hearing that the utility commission considers practicable under the circumstances or without notice or opportunity for a hearing. If the utility commission considers the provision of notice and opportunity for a hearing practicable, the utility commission shall provide the notice not later than the 10th day before the date set for the hearing.
(b) The utility commission by order or rule may delegate to the utility commission’s executive director the authority to:
(1) receive applications and issue emergency orders under this subchapter; and
(2) authorize, in writing, a representative or representatives to act on the utility commission’s executive director’s behalf under this subchapter.
Terms Used In Texas Water Code 13.451
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Rule: includes regulation. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) Chapter 2001, Government Code, does not apply to the issuance of an emergency order under this subchapter without a hearing.
(d) A law under which the utility commission acts that requires notice of hearing or that prescribes procedures for the issuance of emergency orders does not apply to a hearing on an emergency order issued under this subchapter unless the law specifically requires notice for an emergency order. The utility commission shall give notice of the hearing as it determines is practicable under the circumstances.
(e) An emergency order issued under this subchapter does not vest any rights in a person affected by the order and the order expires according to its terms.
(f) The utility commission may adopt rules necessary to administer this subchapter.