A significant bill aimed at imposing restrictions on quarries is set to be heard on Thursday, April 24, at the Texas Capitol.
In an ongoing effort to protect the environment and local communities, a group of Burnet County residents is organizing transportation to ensure their voices are heard.
House Bill 5151, introduced by state Rep. Terry Wilson of District 20, seeks to ban aggregate production operations, including quarries and rock-crushing plants, within a 4-mile radius of designated lakes and state parks, as well as within 2 miles of licensed youth camps.
This legislation arises in response to a proposed quarry by Asphalt Inc. near Inks Lake and Longhorn Cavern state parks, alongside Camp Longhorn in Burnet County, highlighting local concerns.
The hearing for HB 5151 is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday before the House Environmental Regulations Committee.
In support of the bill, the local nonprofit Save Burnet is providing complimentary bus transportation from Burnet to Austin for individuals willing to testify.
Save Burnet Chairman Randy Printz noted the importance of community involvement in the legislative process.
“We’ve still got about 16 spots open,” Printz stated. “We’d love for people to come with us and speak up. It doesn’t have to be long, just heartfelt. A few words can make a big difference.”
Printz, who resides directly across from the proposed quarry site on Hoover Valley Road (FM 3509), described the initiative as both personal and pivotal for the region’s well-being.
“Putting a rock quarry next to two state parks and a kids’ camp is unacceptable,” he asserted. “This bill is a step toward safeguarding the Hill Country and its residents.”
The bus will depart from the AgriLife Extension building at 607 N. Vanderveer in Burnet at 7:30 a.m., after attendees arrive by 7 a.m.
Seats on the bus are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of timely registration through Save Burnet’s contact page.
The return trip is anticipated to occur between noon and 4 p.m., once the hearing concludes.
In organizing transportation, Printz aimed to respect the time of committee members and legislators.
“We rented a small bus because of the short time period,” he explained. “We didn’t want to overwhelm the committee with a large crowd, so we aimed for a more intimate group.”
Notably, the initiative has garnered attention beyond local boundaries, with individuals traveling long distances to participate in the hearing.
In a testament to the area’s significance, Printz shared, “We even have someone flying in from Tennessee. This place means something to people, even those who just visit.”
Additionally, Printz mentioned House Bill 3482, which was filed earlier in the legislative session by Rep. Troxclair.
While HB 3482 has been left pending after its hearing on April 9, Troxclair is diligently revising the bill based on feedback received.
Unlike HB 3482, which aims for increased regulation and data collection near sensitive areas, Rep. Wilson’s HB 5151 takes a more stringent approach by explicitly prohibiting new aggregate mining operations near specified parks and camps.
“This isn’t about stopping all development,” Printz clarified. “It’s about establishing boundaries where they make sense. And this is one of those critical places.”
image source from：https://www.dailytrib.com/2025/04/22/locals-chartering-bus-to-testify-for-second-quarry-bill-at-capitol/
