88R13168 MP-D By: Perry S.B. No. 1290 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to a study of the effects of the operation 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 OPERATION AND DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN EQUIPMENT. (a) The commission, in consultation with the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, groundwater conservation districts, and river authorities, shall conduct a study on the current and potential effects of the operation and disposal of solar, wind turbine, and energy storage equipment on the environment and watersheds. (b) The commission may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a university or foundation to assist with the study. (c) 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.