85R11897 GRM-F
By: Farrar H.B. No. 4217
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to energy resources planning for electric generation in
ERCOT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is
amended by adding Section 39.004 to read as follows:
Sec. 39.004. TEXAS ENERGY PLAN. (a) In consultation with
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Railroad
Commission of Texas, the independent organization certified under
Section 39.151, the Texas Water Development Board, and
representatives of the academic community involved with state
university energy programs, the commission shall develop a plan to
maximize the use of energy resources of this state for the
generation of electricity in the ERCOT region.
(b) The plan must:
(1) recognize and encourage the competitive market
structure in ERCOT;
(2) encourage investments in energy resources and
development of jobs in this state;
(3) encourage the development of a diverse portfolio
of clean, reliable, and competitively priced energy sources in this
state;
(4) promote research, pilot projects, and
market-based incentives to explore and expand long-term energy
options; and
(5) account for the statewide and regional water
planning process and means to reduce the use of water resources in
electric generation.
(c) The agencies and entities identified by Subsection (a)
shall use existing available resources to develop the plan.
(d) The commission shall submit the plan to the legislature
not later than December 31, 2018.
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, 2017.