Texas Senate Bill SB733

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to electrical consumption by a public school district.

Impact

The passing of SB733 could significantly impact how school districts approach their energy management strategies. By establishing clear consumption targets, school districts will be encouraged to consider energy-saving measures and performance contracts that lead to financial savings over time. This bill may lead to a more systematic approach in energy conservation, as districts will be required to track and report their progress towards the established goals. It aligns with broader state goals of encouraging sustainability and responsible use of resources in public facilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 733 focuses on regulating electrical consumption within public school districts in Texas. The bill amends existing law in the Texas Education Code to mandate that school district boards of trustees establish goals for reducing annual electric consumption. Specifically, it requires a reduction of five percent in power usage each fiscal year until the district's consumption rate is at or below 15 kilowatts per square foot of district facility space. This legislative effort is part of a wider initiative to promote energy efficiency and sustainability in public institutions.

Contention

While the bill may generally be viewed as a positive step towards energy sustainability, some points of contention may arise regarding the practicality of implementing such rigorous standards across all school districts. Concerns may include the variability in budget constraints and the differing capacities of districts to invest in energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, school administrators might argue that the mandated consumption reductions could be challenging, leading to debates about how to effectively balance financial considerations with compliance and sustainability objectives.