By: Chisum, Farrar H.B. No. 4346
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 4346:
By: Burnam C.S.H.B. No. 4346
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to "no regrets" greenhouse gas emissions reduction
strategies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2305, Government Code, is amended by
adding Section 2305.201 to read as follows:
Sec. 2305.201. STRATEGIES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE
GASES. (a) In this section, "greenhouse gas" includes carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons,
perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
(b) Not later than December 31, 2010, the Comptroller of
Public Accounts shall prepare and deliver to each member of the
legislature a report including a list of strategies for reducing
emissions of greenhouse gases in this state that:
(1) shall result in net savings for consumers or
businesses in this state;
(2) can be achieved without financial cost to
consumers or businesses in this state; or
(3) help businesses in the state maintain global
competitiveness.
(c) In preparing the list of emission reduction strategies,
the Comptroller of Public Accounts shall consider the strategies
for reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases that have been
implemented in other states or nations.
(d) In determining under Subsection (b) whether an emission
reduction strategy may result in a financial cost to consumers or
businesses in this state, the Comptroller of Public Accounts shall
consider the total net costs that may occur over the life of the
strategy.
(e) A report prepared under subsection (b) shall include the
following information for each identified strategy:
(1) initial, short-term capital costs that may result
from the implementation of the strategy delineated by the costs to
business, and the costs to consumers; and
(2) lifetime costs and savings that may result from
the implementation of the strategy delineated by the costs and
savings to business and the costs and savings to consumers.
(f) The Comptroller of Public Accounts shall appoint one or
more advisory committees to assist the in identifying and
evaluating greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. At least
one representative from the following agencies shall serve on the
advisory committee or committees:
(1) the Texas Railroad Commission;
(2) the General Land Office;
(3) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;
(4) the Texas Department of Agriculture; and
(5) a Texas Institution of Higher Education.
(g) The Comptroller of Public Accounts may enter into an
interagency agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality or other state agency for technical advice or assistance as
necessary to complete the requirements of this subsection.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.