Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB769

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to standards for measuring the emission of air contaminants under the Texas Clean Air Act; providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill has significant implications for air quality regulations in Texas, as it essentially updates existing standards and introduces stricter penalties for non-compliance with the new regulations. The commission will be required to publish annual reports detailing violations and will have the authority to initiate actions against individuals or businesses that exceed the established effects screening levels. This measure is poised to enhance the state’s efforts to maintain and improve air quality, potentially affecting industrial operations and emissions monitoring practices across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 769 addresses the regulation of air contaminants under the Texas Clean Air Act by introducing new standards for measuring the emission levels of air pollutants. It mandates the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to establish effects screening levels that account for both acute and chronic health effects resulting from exposure to air pollutants. These standards are to be based on expert recommendations and must safeguard public health by preventing exposures that could increase cancer risk beyond specified thresholds.

Contention

There are points of contention surrounding HB 769, primarily concerning the balance between regulatory oversight and industry compliance. Proponents of the bill argue that stringent air quality measures are necessary for protecting public health and the environment from the dangers posed by airborne contaminants. Conversely, opponents, particularly from the industrial sector, may view the regulations as excessively burdensome and fear that they could lead to increased operational costs and impact economic growth.

Implementation

Should the bill pass, the TCEQ will have until January 1, 2010, to adopt the new penalties and regulations, which would signal a shift towards a more proactive approach to managing air quality issues. The annual reporting requirement for emissions violations is likely to foster greater transparency and accountability among businesses responsible for air contaminant emissions, ultimately contributing to healthier communities across the state.

Companion Bills

TX SB171

Identical Relating to standards for measuring the emission of air contaminants under the Texas Clean Air Act; providing a penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2761

Relating to the issuance of a standard permit for the emission of air contaminants from a facility providing material for a public work project.

TX HB4932

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.

TX SB2152

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.

TX HB3658

Relating to the monitoring of emissions from certain facilities that emit air contaminants.

TX SB179

Relating to the consideration of the cumulative effects of air contaminant emissions in the emissions permitting process.

TX HB4885

Relating to programs established and funded under the Texas emissions reduction plan.

TX SB104

Relating to the creation of a small non-road engine purchase incentive program under the Texas emissions reduction plan.

TX HB2437

Relating to the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; authorizing the assessment or increase of civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB3100

Relating to the creation of a hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle grant program under the Texas emissions reduction plan.

TX HB4792

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.

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