By: Perry, Birdwell S.B. No. 1290
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study of the effects of the installation, operation,
removal, and disposal of solar, wind turbine, and energy storage
equipment.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "commission" means
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
SECTION 2. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF INSTALLATION, OPERATION,
REMOVAL, AND DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN EQUIPMENT. (a) The commission
shall conduct a study on the current and potential effects of the
installation, operation, removal, and disposal of solar, wind
turbine, and energy storage equipment on the environment and
watersheds.
(b) In conducting the study under this section, the
commission shall consult with:
(1) the Department of Agriculture;
(2) the Texas A&M Forest Service;
(3) the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service;
(4) the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service;
(5) groundwater conservation districts; and
(6) river authorities.
(c) The commission may enter into a memorandum of
understanding with a university or foundation to assist with the
study.
(d) Not later than December 1, 2024, the commission shall
submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the
house of representatives a report that includes the findings of the
study conducted under this section.
SECTION 3. EXPIRATION. This Act expires January 1, 2025.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. 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, 2023.