Texas House Bill HB3575

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to energy and water conservation measures of state agencies.

Impact

If enacted, HB3575 would amend the Government Code, particularly Section 2166.406, which governs state agency responsibilities regarding energy and water conservation. The bill aims to promote environmentally responsible practices and protect public health by ensuring that conservation measures do not inadvertently compromise the safety and quality of the water supply. As a result, it could lead to more stringent oversight of state construction projects and potentially influence procurement practices for energy and water-saving technologies and materials.

Summary

House Bill 3575 focuses on enhancing energy and water conservation measures by state agencies in Texas. The bill mandates that all energy or water conservation efforts, whether executed internally by the agency or via energy savings performance contracts, comply with existing local, state, and federal construction and environmental regulations. This stipulation aims to ensure that conservation measures are effective and adhere to the highest standards to prevent any adverse impacts on public resources, particularly potable water supplies.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of these measures, as local governments and agencies might face increased regulatory responsibilities and compliance costs. A concern raised could be the balance between ambitious conservation goals and practical limitations faced by state agencies in terms of budget and resources. Additionally, discussions may arise around the efficacy of requiring adherence to various codes and regulations, with proponents arguing for the necessity of such compliance while opponents might question the administrative burden it could place on agencies.