By: Watson S.B. No. 1597
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions associated
with a metropolitan planning organization's long-range plan.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 472, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 472.035 to read as follows:
Sec. 472.035. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ANALYSIS OF
LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. (a) In analyzing vehicle
emissions associated with transportation activities expected to
result from implementation of a long-range transportation plan to
be adopted by a metropolitan planning organization on or after
January 1, 2011, the organization must conduct an analysis of
greenhouse gas emissions using the best available methods.
(1) The analysis must quantify carbon dioxide
emissions using methods determined to be the best available by the
department, in consultation with the state's metropolitan planning
organizations, the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit
Administration, the United States Environmental Protection Agency
and the Texas Council on Environmental Quality.
(2) The analysis may be quantitative or qualitative
for other greenhouse gases including methane, nitrous oxide,
hydroflorocarbons, perflouorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
(3) The department, in consultation with the parties
listed in subsection (1) will monitor and update the agreed upon
best available methods as necessary.
(b) The results of an analysis under Subsection (a) must be
reported to the policy board and the public before any meeting at
which the long-range plan or plan amendment involving one or more
regionally significant projects will be considered for adoption.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.