Texas House Bill HB3524

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/09

Caption

Relating to the use of recycled glass in aggregate used by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Impact

The enactment of HB3524 is expected to have considerable implications for environmental regulation and transportation infrastructure within Texas. By incorporating glass cullet into asphalt, the bill not only encourages recycling and waste management practices but also seeks to reduce the demand for virgin materials. This shift towards using recycled materials is aligned with broader state and national efforts to enhance sustainability within the construction and road maintenance sectors. TxDOT is tasked with implementing rules to facilitate this mandate, ensuring that the materials used meet industry standards.

Summary

House Bill 3524 proposes to amend the Texas Transportation Code to mandate the inclusion of recycled glass, termed as 'glass cullet', as a substitute for gravel aggregate in asphalt used for various transportation projects. The bill specifies that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) must use or contract for the use of recycled glass in at least 10% of the aggregate material across specified projects. This requirement aims to promote environmental sustainability by increasing the usage of recycled materials in state construction efforts.

Contention

Debates around the bill may center on the effectiveness and practicality of using recycled glass in construction materials. While proponents suggest that utilizing recycled glass could lead to cost savings and environmental benefits, critics might raise concerns regarding the performance and durability of asphalt made with glass cullet compared to traditional materials. Additionally, there may be discussions about the potential financial implications for contractors and the logistics of sourcing and processing recycled glass to ensure sufficient supply for state projects.