Relating to the abolishment of the State Energy Conservation Office and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will significantly alter how energy conservation programs are managed in Texas. It repeals specific provisions related to SECO while ensuring that its existing policies and programs will continue under the Comptroller's authority. This transition is expected to affect various aspects, including energy efficiency reporting requirements and grant management for both public and private entities. The transferred functions aim to promote better energy utilization and support local governments and institutions in meeting energy goals. However, concerns were raised regarding the potential loss of focused expertise that SECO previously provided.
Summary
House Bill 4370 proposes the abolishment of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and the transfer of its functions to the Comptroller of Public Accounts. The purpose of this bill is to streamline the state's energy oversight by consolidating responsibilities under the Comptroller, which supporters argue will enhance the efficiency and coordination of energy-related activities across Texas. The bill outlines a comprehensive restructuring of various sections of the Government Code by establishing the Comptroller as the main agency overseeing various energy programs, thereby shifting the administrative landscape for energy conservation efforts.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 4370 is mixed. Proponents, including some legislators and business groups, view the bill as a pragmatic step towards consolidating energy management and enhancing accountability under the Comptroller’s comprehensive oversight. They believe that this restructuring will ultimately lead to better resource allocation and more effective energy programs. On the contrary, opponents, including environmental advocacy groups and some lawmakers, express skepticism about the potential loss of specialized focus on energy conservation efforts, fearing that the shift might dilute necessary vigilance and responsiveness to energy issues specific to communities across Texas.
Contention
The main points of contention focus on the implications of shifting from a dedicated energy conservation office to a generalist agency like the Comptroller's office. Critics argue that this might reduce the emphasis on innovative energy practices and local adaptations to energy conservation, as the Comptroller will have a broader range of responsibilities. Additionally, there are worries that the bill could lead to a bureaucratic slow-down in responding to specific energy challenges or prevent local governments from implementing tailored strategies that meet their unique energy needs. The debate highlights a fundamental conflict between efficiency and specialization in public energy management.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 2305. Restitution For Oil Overcharges
Section: 032
Section: 033
Section: 035
Section: 036
Section: 037
Section: 038
Section: 039
Chapter 39. Judicial Education Requirements
Section: New Section
Chapter 2166. Building Construction And Acquisition And Disposition Of Real Property
Section: 402
Section: 403
Section: 006
Education Code
Chapter 44. Fiscal Management
Section: 902
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Section: 927
Chapter 55. Financing Permanent Improvements
Section: 115
Chapter 109. Texas Tech University System
Section: 203
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 388. Texas Building Energy Performance Standards
Section: 006
Section: New Section
Local Government Code
Chapter 302. Energy Savings Performance Contracts For Local Governments
Section: New Section
Occupations Code
Chapter 1001. Texas Board Of Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to the abolishment of the Office of State-Federal Relations as an independent agency and the transfer of the duties and functions of that agency to the office of the governor.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Information Resources and the transfer of certain department functions to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to energy efficiency goals and programs and demand reduction targets; creating an office of energy efficiency deployment in the state energy conservation office.
Relating to energy efficiency goals and programs and demand reduction targets; creating an office of energy efficiency deployment in the state energy conservation office.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Relating to the enhancement of air quality, including the capture and storage of carbon dioxide and development of a greenhouse gas registry, the development of emissions reduction technologies, and the improvement of energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, and appliances.
Relating to the repeal of the laws authorizing the imposition of ad valorem taxes, the rates and expansion of the applicability of state and local sales and use taxes, the distribution of sales and use tax revenue to entities formerly imposing ad valorem taxes, and the replacement of ad valorem tax revenue in relation to financing public schools.