Texas House Bill HB1114

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to application requirements and performance standards for agricultural biomass and landfill diversion incentive grants.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to facilitate a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices while also promoting energy generation from renewable sources. Farmers, loggers, and waste diversifiers would be eligible for grants amounting to $20 per qualified ton of materials supplied to energy-generating facilities, provided those facilities adhere to specified operational and environmental standards. As a result, this could foster increased use of biomass resources in energy production, resulting in broader environmental benefits and enhanced public health outcomes due to improved air quality.

Summary

House Bill 1114 aims to establish application requirements and performance standards for incentive grants related to agricultural biomass and landfill diversion in Texas. The bill modifies sections of the Agriculture Code to ensure the state's policies are aimed at reducing air pollution, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable energy solutions. By providing financial incentives for utilizing agricultural residues and other qualifying organic materials for energy generation, the bill seeks to diversify Texas's energy supply and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills.

Contention

Notably, discussions around HB1114 may bring forth concerns regarding the regulation and monitoring of grant recipients and their compliance with performance standards. There could be debates over the effectiveness of the proposed audit procedures and recovery protocols for funds from non-compliant recipients. Opponents might argue about the potential bureaucratic complexities and the implications of the state's involvement in energy generation efforts, particularly regarding the equity among various stakeholders in the agricultural and energy sectors.