BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1210

By: Johnson

Environmental Regulation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The federal American Innovation and Manufacturing Act directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue rules that phase down the use of environmentally harmful hydrofluorocarbons and authorizes EPA to restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons in certain applications. It has been reported that building codes across the country do not currently allow for the use of hydrofluorocarbon substitute refrigerants approved by EPA, which has a rigorous review process for examining safety and toxicity. As such, there have been calls to update state law relating to building codes to enable the use of these next-generation refrigerants in chillers, air-conditioning, and commercial refrigeration. S.B. 1210 seeks to address this issue by providing for the use of federally authorized substitutes for hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants applicable to commercial or residential buildings or construction.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1210 amends the Health and Safety Code to prohibit a building code or other requirement applicable to commercial or residential buildings or construction from prohibiting the use of a substitute refrigerant authorized pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE

January 1, 2023.