S.B. No. 1404
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a work group to study the benefits of
coal-to-nuclear electric generating facility conversion.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "work group" means the
coal-to-nuclear conversion work group established under Section 2
of this Act.
SECTION 2. WORK GROUP FORMATION AND ADMINISTRATION. (a)
The coal-to-nuclear conversion work group is established and
composed of 16 members with:
(1) one member of the senate appointed by the
lieutenant governor;
(2) one member of the house of representatives
appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(3) two members representing institutions of higher
education appointed by the governor;
(4) one ex officio member representing the Public
Utility Commission of Texas appointed by the governor;
(5) one ex officio member representing the independent
organization certified under Section 39.151, Utilities Code, for
the ERCOT power region appointed by the governor; and
(6) 10 members of the public who have knowledge and
experience in nuclear engineering, nuclear safety, energy policy,
or economic analysis, and who are appointed as follows:
(A) five members appointed by the speaker of the
house of representatives; and
(B) five members appointed by the lieutenant
governor.
(b) The work group members described by Subsections (a)(1)
and (2) of this section serve as co-chairs of the work group.
(c) The work group shall meet at the call of its co-chairs.
(d) The work group may form committees for the efficient
operation of the work group, at the discretion of the co-chairs of
the work group. The co-chairs of the work group shall appoint the
presiding officer of each committee. The presiding officer of a
committee may invite other members of the work group to serve on the
committee. A committee may consult with subject matter experts.
(e) The work group may adopt rules, procedures, and policies
as necessary or convenient to administer this Act and fulfill the
responsibilities of the work group.
(f) A member of the work group may not receive compensation
for serving on the work group but is entitled to reimbursement for
expenses incurred by the member in the performance of official
duties as a member of the work group as provided by the General
Appropriations Act.
(g) The senate and the house of representatives shall
provide administrative support to the work group as necessary to
implement this Act.
SECTION 3. WORK GROUP DUTIES. (a) The work group shall:
(1) study the benefits of converting sites in this
state with coal-fired electric generating facilities to use nuclear
electric generating facilities instead; and
(2) develop a model plan for implementing
coal-to-nuclear conversion to provide affordable and sustainable
power in this state.
(b) In developing the model plan, the work group shall:
(1) conduct a comprehensive review of research and
information on coal-to-nuclear conversion and related issues;
(2) engage in stakeholder outreach to gather feedback
and input from the public, industry, state agencies, and relevant
organizations;
(3) identify the potential benefits of
coal-to-nuclear conversion, including cost-effectiveness, energy
security, and reduced environmental impact;
(4) assess the economic viability of coal-to-nuclear
conversion and provide recommendations on financing and
cost-effectiveness; and
(5) consider the regulatory framework and
requirements for coal-to-nuclear conversion and provide
recommendations for streamlining the conversion process.
(c) Not later than October 31, 2024, the work group shall
submit to each standing committee of the senate and house of
representatives with oversight jurisdiction over environmental
concerns or electric utilities a report that includes the model
plan developed under this section and any findings or
recommendations made by a committee formed under Section 2(d) of
this Act.
SECTION 4. APPOINTMENTS. As soon as practicable, but not
later than October 1, 2023, the governor, lieutenant governor, and
speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint the members
of the work group.
SECTION 5. INITIAL MEETING. Not later than November 1,
2023, the work group shall hold its initial meeting at the call of
the co-chairs of the work group.
SECTION 6. EXPIRATION. This Act expires and the work group
is abolished June 30, 2025.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2023.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1404 passed the Senate on
April 25, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 1; and that
the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 27, 2023, by the
following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1404 passed the House, with
amendment, on May 24, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 134,
Nays 4, one present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor