Texas House Bill HB773

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Report Pass: 4/6/11

Caption

Relating to creating an energy efficiency council to coordinate administration of energy efficiency programs.

Impact

By creating this council, HB 773 could significantly influence state energy policies. It seeks to centralize efforts toward improving energy efficiency, allowing for more streamlined and effective resource allocation. The council is responsible for biennially reporting on the performance of energy efficiency programs, evaluating the outcomes, and potentially making recommendations for new initiatives. This could lead to better energy resource management and help reduce overall energy costs for consumers while fulfilling state and federal environmental goals.

Summary

House Bill 773 proposes the establishment of an Energy Efficiency Council to coordinate and oversee energy efficiency programs within the state of Texas. The bill aims to enhance the efficiency of energy consumption by monitoring existing programs and introducing potential recommendations for improvements. It defines a range of energy efficiency programs that would utilize state or federal funding to reduce peak energy demand, consumption, and promote compliance with energy-efficient standards in construction. The council would function under the oversight of the comptroller's office.

Contention

Notably, HB 773 faced discussions regarding its funding and the breadth of its authority. Critics have raised concerns about the potential bureaucratic nature of the council, fearing that it might lead to excessive regulation over programs that could already be effectively managed at local or organizational levels. There’s a tension between promoting state oversight for consistency and maintaining local autonomy in administering energy programs. Additionally, transparency in how the council operates and reports its findings is a key point of debate as stakeholders seek assurance that their interests will be adequately represented.