Texas House Bill HB1685

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of the General Land Office to sell retail electric power.

Impact

By providing the GLO with the authority to engage in the retail sale of energy, the bill aims to streamline the process of selling state-owned energy resources and enhance revenue generation from these natural resources. This legislative change is significant as it could alter the dynamics of energy sales within Texas, promoting more direct support for public institutions and services. It reflects a strategic approach to utilize state resources effectively while ensuring they are provided to entities that serve public interests.

Summary

House Bill 1685 concerns the authority of the General Land Office (GLO) in Texas regarding the sale of retail electric power and natural gas. The bill amends existing legislation to grant the GLO the power to sell natural gas derived from state royalties directly to specific public retail customers, which include state agencies, educational institutions, public school districts, military installations, and facilities managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure the state maximizes the benefits from its natural resources by prioritizing local public entities as customers for its energy sales.

Contention

While the bill's intentions to boost state resources by prioritizing public institutions in energy sales seem beneficial, there may be concerns around the long-term implications for competition in the energy market and the potential for market manipulation. Opponents might wonder how the bill might affect other sectors or smaller private suppliers in the energy marketplace, and whether state influence could overshadow emerging private initiatives in renewable energy sectors. The amendment and repeal of previous sections in the Utilities Code also raise questions about regulatory oversight and accountability in energy sales.