Texas House Bill HB4012

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the procedure for acting on an application for an air contaminant emissions permit, permit amendment, or permit renewal review for an electric generating facility.

Impact

If passed, HB4012 would significantly alter how applications for air emissions permits are processed by establishing a timeline for action. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) would be required to take final action on such applications within 12 months from the point at which they are deemed administratively complete. This change aims to improve the efficiency of the permitting process and could potentially accelerate the timeline for electric generating facilities to commence operations, which in turn could boost energy production capacity in the state.

Summary

House Bill 4012 seeks to reform the permitting process for air contaminant emissions related to electric generating facilities in Texas. The bill introduces a new section to the Health and Safety Code that mandates a streamlined procedure specifically for the review of applications for permits, amendments, and renewals related to electric generation. The intention is to create a more efficient framework that accommodates the needs of both regulatory bodies and facility operators by expediting the decision-making process for permits that affect air quality.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB4012 relates to the exclusion of contested case hearing requirements from the permit processes authorized by this bill. Opponents may argue that removing these hearings could reduce public participation and oversight in the permitting process, potentially leading to less rigorous evaluation of the environmental impacts of new or expanding electric facilities. Proponents of the bill argue that the streamlined procedures will not compromise environmental protection but rather enhance economic growth and regulatory efficiency by providing clarity and consistency in permit approvals.