82R1612 SLB-D
By: Alvarado H.B. No. 128
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a pilot program to implement renewable energy and other
conservation technology in a state park or state natural area.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 13, Parks and Wildlife
Code, is amended by adding Section 13.023 to read as follows:
Sec. 13.023. PILOT PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT RENEWABLE ENERGY
AND OTHER CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY. (a) "Renewable energy
technology" has the meaning assigned by Section 39.904(d),
Utilities Code.
(b) The department shall coordinate with the State Energy
Conservation Office to develop and implement a pilot program under
which renewable energy technology is used to operate a state park or
state natural area.
(c) The pilot program must include selecting a state park or
state natural area in existence on January 1, 2011, and renovating
the selected park or natural area to enable it to operate using only
electricity generated from renewable energy technology. All of the
energy used by the selected park or natural area must be generated
within the boundaries of the park or natural area. The renovation
must be completed before September 1, 2016.
(d) The pilot program must also use as many energy-efficient
products and other natural resource conservation technologies in
the selected park or natural area as are feasible, such as plumbing
fixtures retrofitted to conserve water.
(e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year,
the department and the State Energy Conservation Office shall
jointly submit a report to the legislature regarding the progress
and results of the pilot program. The report must include an
assessment of the pilot program's success in conserving energy and
natural resources and recommendations for expanding or modifying
the program.
(f) This section expires September 1, 2017.
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, 2011.