Texas House Bill HB1993

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/29/09
• Voted on by House: 5/14/09

Caption

Relating to certain energy security technologies for critical governmental facilities.

Impact

By mandating that governmental entities consider energy-efficient technologies, the bill is poised to enhance the resilience of essential services during crises. Facilities will now be encouraged to invest in their infrastructure to guarantee that they can operate independently of traditional power sources for extended periods. This shift in policy is significant as it will affect state funding allocations towards energy projects and potentially inspire local governments to adopt similar measures for their facilities.

Summary

House Bill 1993, titled 'Relating to certain energy security technologies for critical governmental facilities,' establishes guidelines for implementing combined heating and power systems in essential state-owned buildings. The bill defines a 'critical governmental facility' as one that serves vital public safety functions, such as hospitals, police stations, and communication centers, and stipulates that these facilities should evaluate the feasibility of installing this technology during construction or renovations. The goal is to ensure these facilities can maintain operations during emergencies, especially during widespread power outages.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote energy efficiency and sustainability, there may be discussions surrounding the financial implications of implementing combined heating and power systems. Critics may argue that the cost of these systems could burden state budgets, particularly if projected energy savings do not come to fruition. Additionally, determining the criteria for what constitutes a 'critical' facility may lead to debates about resource allocation and prioritization among various governmental entities.