Texas House Bill HB4384

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a temporary moratorium on authorizations for certain coal-fired or petroleum coke-fired electric generating facilities.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would impact various stakeholders, including energy developers and local governments, by placing new restrictions on the construction of specific types of electric power plants. Although the moratorium allows for the construction of facilities that can capture and sequester at least 60 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions, it effectively halts any new projects that do not meet these stringent environmental criteria. This could potentially redirect investments toward cleaner energy solutions and technologies while significantly impacting the strategic planning of new generation capacity in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4384 proposes a temporary moratorium on the authorization for the construction of new coal-fired or petroleum coke-fired electric generating facilities in Texas. This legislation aims to ensure that no applications for such facilities can be accepted or permits issued for a period of two years from the effective date of the Act. The bill is a response to growing concerns regarding environmental impacts and the state's reliance on fossil fuels as energy sources. It represents a significant regulatory move aimed at mitigating industrial impacts on air quality and compliance with environmental standards.

Contention

The implementation of HB 4384 could generate significant debate among legislators and constituents. Proponents of the bill may argue that it is a necessary step toward modernizing Texas’ energy infrastructure and addressing climate change, while opponents might contend that such a moratorium could hinder economic growth and job creation in energy sectors reliant on traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, stakeholders could express concerns about the timing and the potential for increased energy costs if development of new facilities is delayed.