By: Birdwell, Hall S.B. No. 1017
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of a political subdivision to regulate an
energy source or engine.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 7, Local Government Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 247 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 247. REGULATION OF ENERGY SOURCES AND ENGINES
Sec. 247.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Energy source" means any fuel or power source
used to power an engine.
(2) "Engine" means a machine for converting an energy
source into mechanical force and motion, including a generator or
an internal combustion engine.
(3) "Political subdivision" includes a county,
municipality, special district, school district, junior college
district, or housing authority.
(4) "Retail service station" has the meaning assigned
by Section 753.001, Health and Safety Code.
Sec. 247.002. RESTRICTION ON REGULATION OF ENERGY SOURCES.
(a) A political subdivision may not adopt or enforce an ordinance,
order, regulation, or similar measure that limits access to an
energy source or that results in the effective prohibition of
infrastructure that is necessary to provide access to a specific
energy source, including a wholesaler, retailer, energy producer,
or related infrastructure, including a retail service station.
(b) This section does not limit the authority of a political
subdivision to adopt or enforce an ordinance, order, regulation, or
similar measure relating to an energy source, or infrastructure
that is necessary to provide access to a specific energy source,
that:
(1) provides siting requirements, including siting
requirements involving certain geographic areas;
(2) does not effectively prohibit the operation of an
energy source or infrastructure that is necessary to provide access
to a specific energy source; and
(3) is not preempted by state or federal law.
Sec. 247.003. RESTRICTION ON REGULATION OF ENGINES. (a) A
political subdivision may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, order,
regulation, or similar measure that directly prohibits or restricts
the use, sale, or lease of an engine based on its fuel source.
(b) This section does not limit the authority of a political
subdivision to adopt or enforce an ordinance, order, regulation, or
similar measure not preempted by state or federal law that:
(1) does not effectively prohibit or restrict the use,
sale, or lease of the engine;
(2) implements an agreement between the political
subdivision and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to
regulate motor vehicle idling under Section 382.019, Health and
Safety Code; or
(3) only affects an engine owned or operated by the
political subdivision.
(c) This section does not limit the authority of a political
subdivision to adopt an ordinance, order, regulation, resolution,
policy, or other similar measure to encourage, promote, or provide
rebates for cleaner engines and cleaner fuel sources and that does
not directly or effectively ban, restrict, or prohibit the use,
sale, or lease of an engine based on the engine's fuel source.
(d) Section 81.0523, Natural Resources Code, prevails to
the extent of a conflict with this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.