Texas House Bill HB1391

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/4/09

Caption

Relating to the promotion and use of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

Impact

The bill impacts state law by formally establishing a new class of special districts dedicated to emissions management. It enables these districts to enter contractual agreements with property owners, facilitating the financing of energy efficiency improvements via assessments tied to the properties. This autonomy for local governments is intended to streamline processes and provide more accessible financing solutions for green energy projects, catering to the unique needs of each locality in Texas. In doing so, it may lead to increased adoption of technologies like solar panels and energy-efficient appliances among residents, thus fostering a statewide transition towards cleaner energy practices.

Summary

House Bill 1391 aims to create emissions management districts in Texas, empowering local governments to facilitate the development and financing of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The bill authorizes these districts to issue bonds for financing emissions management projects, thus expanding avenues for funding and promoting environmentally sustainable practices at the local level. Through this legislation, local governments are expected to have enhanced authority over energy-related initiatives within their jurisdictions, ultimately encouraging an increase in the use of renewable energy resources in residential and commercial sectors.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of HB 1391, there are concerns regarding the financial implications of creating special districts and issuing bonds. Critics may argue that this could lead to increased local taxes or assessments that property owners would have to bear if such bonds are not sufficiently repaid through energy savings. Additionally, the process for establishing these special districts requires close collaboration and agreement among local government bodies, which could prove challenging in areas with differing political priorities or resource constraints. Thus, while the overarching goals of the bill align with promoting renewable energy, the financial and administrative responsibilities could generate significant debate within affected communities.