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20 Document(s) [ Subject: ]

Committee: House Environmental Regulation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Abandoned oil wells | Air pollution | Air pollution control technology | Economic development | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Federal funds | Hazardous substances | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Wastewater management |
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [28 pages  File size: 1,043 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • HB 1680, 87th R.S. relating to the regulation of on-site sewage disposal systems on certain leased land that is owned by the federal government;
  • HB 4472, 87th R.S. relating to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP); and
  • SB 900, 87th R.S. which updates performance and safety standards for chemical storage vessels.
2. Evaluate the allocation of TERP funds for effective air pollution reduction programs. Review which existing programs are over or under-subscribed and identify unrealized opportunities that would further program goals.
3. Review recent passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law No. 117-58), specifically funds that may bolster efforts to clean up polluted sites and plug wells and how federal funds can be used to complement state efforts on well plugging and pollution clean-up.
4. Monitor newly adopted and proposed federal regulations that could directly impact economic development, manufacturing, and industrial activities that fall within the jurisdiction of the committee, including regulations adopted or proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Environmental Regulation
Title: Committee meeting testimony, April 26, 2022
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View document [8 pages  File size: 113 kb]
Committee: House Environmental Regulation
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 25, 2022
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View document [9 pages  File size: 115 kb]
Committee: House Appropriations
Title: Subcommittee on Disaster Impact and Recovery, subcommittee meeting handouts and testimony, January 12, 2018 (Hurricane Harvey response, Texas Emissions Reduction Program, solid waste disposal fee, cost-recovery model)
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [100 pages  File size: 11,036 kb]
Committee: Senate Finance
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Alamo | Alternatives to incarceration | Appropriations bill riders | Business taxes | Criminal justice | Delinquent taxes | Disaster relief | Driver Responsibility Program | Economy | Emergency medical services | Federal aid | Federal funds | Fees | General Land Office, Texas | Hurricane Harvey | Interest rates | Juvenile justice system | Legislative Budget Board, Texas | Natural disasters | Personal property taxes | Probation | Rainy Day Fund | State budget certification | State budgets | Tax refunds | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 F49
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [64 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor all funds currently being used to address Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery. Identify ways to maximize the use of federal funds and ensure the efficient use of state funds.
2. Evaluate the long-term impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas economy and the gulf coast region.
3. Alamo Historical Site Renovation: Monitor the expenditures of state funds appropriated to the General Land Office for the preservation, maintenance, and operation of the Alamo historical site. Ensure the funds are spent to emphasize the architectural design and the historical impact the battle had on the development of Texas as a nation and as a state.
4. Economic Stabilization Fund: Examine options to increase investment earnings of the Economic Stabilization Fund in a manner that mini mizes overall risk to the fund balance. Investment options should ensure the liquidity of a sufficient portion of the balance so that the legislature has the resources necessary to address the needs of the state, including natural disasters. Evaluate how the Economic Stabilization Fund constitutional limit is calculated; consider alternative methods to calculate the limit, and alternative uses for funds above the limit.
5. Texas Emission Reduction Plan: Review the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) and its economic benefits to the state. Examine whether the state's investment in TERP, including transfers from the Department of Transportation, are being effectively utilized to comply with federal air quality standards, reduce pollution, and protect the public health of Texans.
6. Request to Exceed Review: Review all riders requiring interim action by the Legislative Budget Board to reduce the number of times interim budget modification is necessary.
7. Fee Structure Review: Review state General Revenue - Dedicated fees and make recommendations to reduce fees and lessen reliance on General Revenue - Dedicated fee balances to certify the budget.
8. Adult and Juvenile Corrections Funding: Examine the funding patterns used to fund the juvenile justice system and adult probation departments. Develop recommendations to ensure the Texas Juvenile Justice Department budget does not dis-incentivize the use of cost-effective best practices such as diverting youth from the juvenile justice system, providing services to youth in their community, and keeping youth closer to home. In addition, review funding to adult probation departments and ensure it provides for an equitable distribution to all Texas Probation Departments.
9. Trauma Funding: Review revenue sources currently funding the state's trauma system and the impact of declining revenues and balances in General Revenue - Dedicated accounts. Evaluate the impact of statutory changes affecting trauma system funding, including efforts to eliminate the Driver Responsibility Program. Examine ways to ensure sustainability of the trauma system in Texas.
10. Property Tax on Business Personal Property: Evaluate the property tax as it applies to business personal property and the current $5oo exemption. Quantify the economic effect of taxing business personal property and determine whether the tax places Texas at a competitive disadvantage relative to other states. Evaluate the burden on taxpayers and local governments of administering the property tax on business personal property and determine whether the current $soo exemption should be increased.
11. Interest Rate Disparity: Evaluate the rate of interest charged on delinquent property taxes and delinquent state taxes, compared to the rate of interest paid on property tax refunds and state tax refunds. • Evaluate the effect of interest rate disparity on the assessment decisions of governments and the payment decisions of taxpayers. • Quantify the amount by which state and local governments profit from interest rate disparity. • Identify best practices among other states regarding interest rates charged and paid. • Recommend a plan and timeline to reduce interest rate disparity.
12. Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of the following funding initiatives: • CPS Critical Needs - Monitor the impact of salary increases and additional caseworkers allocated to Child Protective Services last interim. • Health Care Costs Across State Agencies - Monitor coordination efforts among state agencies to improve health care and reduce costs pursuant to Article IX, Section 10.06 and Section 10.07. • Behavioral Health - Monitor the state's progress in coordinating behavioral health services and expenditures across state government, pursuant to Article IX section 10.04, including the impact of new local grant funding provided by the 85th Legislatu re. • Sporting Goods Sales Tax - Identify state and local park needs and determine whether the Sporting Goods Sales Tax is meeting those needs.
Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Aerospace industry | Air pollution | Air quality | Carbon dioxide | Clean Air Act | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Electric power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Ground level ozone | Oil fields | School districts | Spaceports | SpaceX | State administrative hearings | Tax incentives | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Theft |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 N219E
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [155 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Implementation of Federal Regulations: Study the impact and identify challenges Texas faces implementing proposed federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations, including, but not limited to the Clean Power Plan, Reduction of Methane & Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from oil and gas facilities, Ozone standards, Regional Haze, and Waters of the U.S. Make recommendations for legislative or constitutional action the committee considers necessary.
2. Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP): Study and make recommendations regarding the use of Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) funds, including reducing air emissions from mobile sources in response to changes in ozone standards.
3. Economic Development: Evaluate the effectiveness and necessity of programs and resources currently used to support economic development in Texas. Make recommendations regarding continuation of effective strategies, modification of existing administrative or regulatory barriers, and the reduction or elimination of ineffective programs.
4. Expedited Permitting: Evaluate the permitting process in Texas and neighboring states and make recommendations for eliminating unnecessary barriers and expediting the process to ensure that the regulatory process is consistent and predictable.
5. ERCOT/PUC Electricity Issues: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. In this oversight and monitoring, the committee should: 1) identify and recommend opportunities to streamline programs or services and enhance grid safety while maintaining the mission of ERCOT and PUC and their programs; and 2) identify barriers ERCOT or PUC may have in their governance that may be appropriate to improve or eliminate.
6. Oil Field Theft: Study and make recommendations for solving the oil field theft problems facing Texas, including identifying the proper mechanisms for increasing enforcement effectiveness.
7. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development during the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1)Legislation relating to Texas aerospace incentives; 2) Expedited permitting; and 3) Electric utility rate adjustments.
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Highway finance | Motor fuels taxes | State Highway Fund | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Transportation bonds |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T686fh
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [33 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the future reliability of current state transportation funding sources, alternatives that may increase available state funding for surface transportation, use of debt financing in state transportation, alternative transportation funding options, current and historic appropriations to the Texas Department of Transportation, use of the state highway fund for other agencies, and the original purpose of the economic stabilization fund.
Committee: Senate Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Highway finance | Motor fuels taxes | Motor vehicle registration | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T686fs
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [15 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Look at the current state of transportation funding, expenditures and new methods to finance our future transportation needs.
Supporting documents
Committee: Senate Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Testimony, Whitney Brewster, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, State Assistance for County Roads, October 9, 2013
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.83 T686FSM 2013: OCT 9
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [38 pages  File size: 37,931 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 6, 2014 (Motor fuel taxes/gas taxes, highway funding overview)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [95 pages  File size: 6,934 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 5, 2014 (Potential revenue sources)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [177 pages  File size: 4,791 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 4, 2014 (Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [87 pages  File size: 3,095 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, October 8, 2014 (Economic Stabilization Fund, Regional Mobility Authorities)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [35 pages  File size: 1,277 kb]
Committee: House Transportation Funding, Expenditures, and Finance, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, October 28, 2014 (Funding options for the 84th Legislature)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [4 pages  File size: 73 kb]
Committee: House Environmental Regulation
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Air pollution control technology | Air quality | Clean Air Act | Environmental permits | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Industrial air pollution | Low-Income Vehicle Repair Assistance Program | Motor vehicle emissions tests | Motor vehicle pollution | Motor vehicle safety inspections | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 En89
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [54 pages  File size: 6,595 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Work to create and maintain a market-based approach to the application and implementation of Green Chemistry initiatives for the State of Texas.
2. Evaluate capabilities at public and private universities relating to the potential formation of dedicated Green Chemistry programs.
3. Collaborate with businesses to identify current Green Chemistry efforts that are already taking place, as well as what the incentives and disincentives are for businesses to make this shift. Examine and identify the environmental and economic benefits of promoting Green Chemistry initiatives.
4. Examine funding options for a statewide Green Chemistry initiative.
5. Work with various state agencies such as the General Land Office, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the Department of Agriculture in order to facilitate the promotion of Green Chemistry practices.
6. Examine the obstacles that must be overcome for Green Chemistry to be effective; identify solutions to such obstacles.
7. Study the Clean Air Act State Implementation Plan (SIP) to determine if:
  • Data is being collected adequately
  • Recent changes to the SIP are brining Texas closer to the federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements; and
  • There are any midcourse corrections necessary to achieve EPA requirements.
As background, examine and document the trend in levels of air quality in Texas since 1980.
8. Examine the progress of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, the Low-Income Vehicle Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program and the Texas Environmental Research Consortium.
9. Study the air permitting process to examine, define, or interpret the following:
  • The role of public input in the standard air permitting process;
  • The requirements and interpretation of what constitutes Best Available Control Technology;
  • The requirements for monitoring ambient air in the beginning stages of the permitting process;
  • The requirements for modeling future air pollution in the event that the proposed plant is constructed;
  • The issue of the cumulative impact of different air pollution sources;
  • The use of permits-by-rule and flexible permits in some cases; and
  • The requirements for permit renewals and the process for granting or denying permit renewals.
10. Examine the penalties and sanctions imposed on vehicle inspection and emissions testing facilities.
11. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Natural Resources
Title: Interim Report - Air Quality
Subjects: Air pollution | Air pollution control technology | Air quality | Arsenic | Barton Springs | Edwards Aquifer | Electric power plants | Mercury | Surface water pollution | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Water conservation | Water planning | Water quality management | Water quality protection zones |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 N219i
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [165 pages  File size: 1,439 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review Texas' current air emissions inventory and evaluate the need for additional data to enhance or improve the inventory. Review current federal, state and local incentive programs related to emissions reductions and recommend improvements.
2. Study and assess the use of advanced control technologies for the reduction of point source pollution emissions, including, but not limited to:
  • Identifying state-of-the-art pollution control technologies;
  • Identifying facilities which could benefit from state-of-the-art control technologies;
  • Identifying mechanisms for implementing state-of-the-art controls in Texas;
  • Reviewing the ability of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to regulate the use of pollution control technologies, including possible legislative options to grant, improve, or mandate TCEQ actions to implement state-of-the-art control technologies; and
  • Investigating the use of different approaches or methods in regulating emissions based on geographical/regional locations around the state.
3. Assess the environmental impact of new electric generation sources and technologies. Collect and evaluate data related to use and conservation of water used in the production of energy. Examine the need to include electric generation facility water needs in regional water plans.
4. Study and assess issues concerning mercury and arsenic emissions, including, but not limited to:
  • identifying the sources of mercury and arsenic pollution in air and water;
  • investigating the status of drinking water, reservoir, river, estuary, and fish and wildlife mercury and arsenic monitoring programs in Texas;
  • investigating the implementation by TCEQ of the Federal Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) on power plants in Texas;
  • studying the potential costs and benefits of including all coal/lignite burning sources in Texas, not just power plants, into the State's CAMR program; and
  • determining the legislative and regulatory mechanisms and advisability of including all coal/lignite burning sources into the State's CAMR program.
5. Study the need for regional water quality standards, particularly in the Edwards and Barton Springs recharge zones.
Committee: Senate Natural Resources
Title: Interim Report - Air Quality
Library Catalog Title: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 80th Legislature : state air programs
Subjects: Air pollution | Air pollution control technology | Air quality | Low-Income Vehicle Repair Assistance Program | Motor vehicle pollution | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 N219ap
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [25 pages  File size: 1,146 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Monitor ongoing efforts to improve air quality in Texas and review development and implementation of the State Implementation Plan. Examine the effectiveness of the Low Income Vehicle Repair and Assistance Program and the Texas Emissions Reduction Program.
Committee: House Environmental Regulation
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Environmental Regulation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects: Air pollution control technology | Air quality | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Nonattainment areas | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Wastewater management |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 En89
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [71 pages  File size: 336 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Conduct a study on the regulation, design, planning, construction, installation, operation, licensing, maintenance and inspection of on-site sewage disposal systems.
2. Examine compliance histories and incentives to reward compliance by entities regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
3. Monitor the implementation of HB 1365, 78th R.S., Texas Emission Reduction Plan, to ensure compliance with federal Clean Air Act standards and deadlines.
4. Monitor the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: House Environmental Regulation
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Environmental Regulation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Air quality | Border environment | Drinking water | Hazardous substances | Homeland security | Motor vehicle emissions tests | Motor vehicle registration | Motor vehicle safety inspections | Radioactive waste | Solid waste disposal | Terrorism | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 en89
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [82 pages  File size: 1,926 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine problems related to lost and stolen radioactive material, including sources abandoned downhole in drilling operations.
2. Study the production, transportation, use and disposal of hazardous and radioactive materials that could be used in terrorist actions. Review the management and security of public drinking water systems. Review government regulations and business practices to determine whether legislation is needed to protect life and property and to detect, interdict and respond to acts of terrorism.
3. Identify and prioritize environmental issues on the Texas-Mexico border, including air quality and solid waste.
4. Examine the progress of programs related to vehicle inspection and maintenance and low-income repair assistance.
5. Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction, including specifically, implementation of HB 2912, 77th R.S., the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Sunset Legislation, and SB 5, 77th R.S., to ensure compliance with federal Clean Air Act standards and deadlines.
Committee: Senate Natural Resources
Title: Interim Report - Compliance with the Federal Clean Air Act and Establishment of the Texas Emission Reduction Plan Advisory Committee
Library Catalog Title: The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 78th Legislature : Texas compliance with the Federal Clean Air Act and establishment of the Texas Emission Reduction Plan Advisory Committee.
Subjects: Air pollution control technology | Air quality | Clean Air Act | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 n219e
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [172 pages  File size: 3,083 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Assess current efforts to reduce emissions and comply with standards in the federal Clean Air Act. The Committee should monitor the efforts of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Advisory Committee established in SB 5, 77th R.S..

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