Texas House Bill HB776

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the implementation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of a low-emission vehicle program.

Impact

The law mandates that TCEQ adopt a low-emission vehicle program that aligns with existing California standards, specifically the California Low-Emission Vehicle program. This alignment ensures that vehicles manufactured from the model year 2012 onwards will have to comply with stricter emissions standards akin to those established in California. This could potentially lead to fewer air pollutants from vehicles, thereby benefiting both environmental quality and public health in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 776, known as the Low-Emission Vehicle Act, aims to implement a low-emission vehicle program by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This law seeks to address significant concerns about air pollution stemming from motor vehicles, which are responsible for both local health issues and global climate change. The bill recognizes that advancements in vehicle technology can significantly reduce harmful emissions, thus improving air quality and public health across the state of Texas.

Contention

While proponents of HB 776 argue that it is crucial for protecting public health and fostering a cleaner environment, there could be points of contention regarding the implementation of California's standards in Texas. Critics may express concerns over how these regulations could affect local auto manufacturers and the feasibility of compliance for consumers. Additionally, there might be discussions around the economic implications for the auto industry, particularly in light of the potential costs associated with upgrading vehicles and manufacturing processes to meet stricter emissions requirements.