Texas Natural Resources Code - NAT RES § 101.004. Conflict With Antitrust Acts

(a) Agreements and operations under agreements which are in accordance with the provisions in this chapter, being necessary to prevent waste and conserve the natural resources of this state, shall not be construed to be in violation of the provisions of Chapter 15, Business & Commerce Code, as amended.

(b) If a court finds a conflict between the provisions in this chapter and Chapter 15, Business & Commerce Code, as amended, the provisions in this chapter are intended as a reasonable exception to that law, necessary for the public interests stated in Subsection (a) of this section.

(c) If a court finds that a conflict exists between the provisions in this chapter and Chapter 15, Business & Commerce Code, as amended, and finds that the provisions in this chapter are not a reasonable exception to said Chapter 15, it is the intent of the legislature that the provisions in this chapter, or any conflicting portion of them, shall be declared invalid rather than declaring Chapter 15, Business & Commerce Code, as amended, or any portion of it, invalid.