Relating to the administration of and funding for the Texas emissions reduction plan.
Impact
The bill is designed to enhance state legislation regarding air quality and environmental standards in Texas. By potentially increasing the funding for emissions reduction efforts, HB2682 seeks to address the state's air pollution challenges more proactively. The modifications proposed are anticipated to support cleaner air initiatives and promote the adoption of alternative fuels across various sectors, including transportation and heavy-duty vehicle fleets.
Summary
House Bill 2682 focuses on the administration and funding of the Texas emissions reduction plan. The bill proposes key amendments to existing statutes in the Health and Safety Code to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emissions reduction programs statewide. It places emphasis on providing grants for various environmental initiatives, including funding for clean school buses, alternative vehicle purchase incentives, and grants for infrastructure development necessary for reducing emissions from transportation sources.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB2682 is the balance between supporting economic growth and imposing regulatory burdens on businesses. Stakeholders may express concerns about how stringent emissions standards impact operational costs for vehicle fleet operators, particularly small businesses that heavily rely on traditional fuel sources. Additionally, there might be discussions about the long-term effectiveness of the funding allocations and whether the proposed grant mechanisms will yield measurable improvements in air quality.
Relating to establishing the Texas Carbon Emissions Mitigation and Severe Weather Adaptation Commission to study and address the impacts of carbon emissions and severe weather in this state.
Relating to the amount of foreign emissions of air contaminants in nonattainment areas and the revision of the state implementation plan to account for those emissions.
Relating to the amount of foreign emissions of air contaminants in nonattainment areas and the required revision of the state implementation plan to account for those emissions.
Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, the property tax relief fund, and the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.
Relating to the enhancement of air quality, including the capture and storage of carbon dioxide and development of a greenhouse gas registry, the development of emissions reduction technologies, and the improvement of energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, and appliances.
Relating to the repeal of laws governing certain state entities, including the functions of those entities, and to certain duties, responsibilities, and functions of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on the abolishment of certain of those entities.