Texas Natural Resources Code - NAT RES § 134.072. Termination on Failure to Begin Operations

(a) A permit terminates if the permit holder has not begun the surface coal mining operation covered by the permit on or before the third anniversary of the date on which the period for which the permit is issued begins.

(b) The commission may grant reasonable extensions of time on a showing that the extensions are necessary because of:

(c) With respect to coal to be mined for use in a synthetic fuel facility or specific major electric generating facility, a permit holder is considered to have begun surface mining operations at the time the construction of the facility is initiated.