By: Middleton S.B. No. 383
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting interconnection of an offshore wind power
facility.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Title 6, Utilities Code, is amended by adding
Chapter 301A to read as follows:
CHAPTER 301A. OFFSHORE WIND POWER FACILITY
Sec. 301A.001. DEFINITIONS. In this Chapter:
(1) "Offshore" means located within the territorial
sea, as defined by 33 CFR 2.22.
(2) "Wind power facility" includes:
(A) a wind turbine generator; and
(B) a facility or equipment used to support the
operation of a wind turbine generator, including an electrical
transmission or communications line, an electric transformer, a
battery storage facility, and energy storage facility, or
telecommunications equipment.
Sec. 301A.002. INTERCONNECTION PROHIBITED. The commission
shall not approve interconnection of a wind power facility,
transmission, or distribution facility located offshore, if the
commission has reason to believe that such a facility may:
(1) negatively impact previously established
industries, violating preestablished community values relying on
such industries, including but not limited to:
(A) shipping routes;
(B) general tourism; and
(C) recreational and commercial fishing;
(2) negatively impact environmental factors, including but
not limited to:
(A) general welfare of wildlife; and
(B) disruption of migratory patterns;
(3) present a risk to the life and safety of residents,
nearby industries, and wildlife, if located within an area with
historical exposure to natural disasters; or
(4) be deemed unnecessary, in accordance with Section
37.056, Public Utilities Code, due to lack of need for additional
service and the presence of adequate existing services in the area
adjacent to the offshore wind power facility.
SECTION 2. 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, 2025.