Texas Senate Bill SB898

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/23/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/7/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/11
• Refer: 3/17/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/16/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to energy efficiency programs in institutions of higher education and certain governmental entities.

Impact

The bill's implementation aims to decrease overall energy consumption across state-funded entities, contributing to broader goals of energy conservation and pollution reduction. Institutions failing to meet their established goals must justify their inability to comply in annual reports, ensuring accountability and promoting commitment to energy-saving measures. Additionally, the bill entails a review process that mandates the State Energy Conservation Office to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of these energy efficiency programs, thereby providing transparency and consistent improvements.

Summary

Senate Bill 898 relates specifically to the enhancement of energy efficiency programs in institutions of higher education and certain governmental entities within Texas. The bill mandates that each political subdivision, state agency, and educational institution set a goal of reducing their electric consumption by a minimum of five percent annually. This requirement is designed to foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility towards energy usage, reflecting the increasing importance of ecological considerations in public policy.

Contention

While the bill is influential in promoting energy efficiency, implications may arise regarding the scrutiny that comes with mandatory reporting and accountability. Entities may argue that the financial and logistical burdens of adhering to the reporting requirements could detract from their core educational missions. Furthermore, there may be resistance from stakeholders concerned about the practicality of achieving such aggressive consumption reduction goals, potentially leading to debates about the sufficiency of current resources and strategies available for implementation.