§ 40.007. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES.

(a) The commissioner may promulgate rules necessary and convenient to the administration of this chapter.

(b) The commissioner shall by rule establish procedures under Chapter 2001, Government Code for all hearings required by this chapter. The commissioner may administer oaths, receive evidence, issue subpoenas to compel attendance of witnesses and production of evidence related to hearings, and make findings of fact and decisions with respect to administering this chapter.

(c) The commissioner may contract with any public agency or private person or other entity, including entering into cooperative agreements with the federal government, acquire and dispose of real or personal property, delegate responsibility for implementing the requirements of this chapter, and perform any other act within or without the boundaries of this state necessary to administer this chapter.

(d) If the commissioner finds it necessary to enter property to conduct a vessel or terminal facility audit, inspection, or drill authorized under this chapter or to respond to an actual or threatened unauthorized discharge of oil, the commissioner may enter the property after making a reasonable effort to obtain consent to enter the property.