The bill would create an advisory committee by the Railroad Commission to be named the Texas Energy Reliability Council to coordinate natural gas supplies during an emergency when the supply of natural gas may not be sufficient to meet demand. The advisory committee would consist of government and natural gas industry representatives appointed by the Railroad Commission. The bill would exempt the advisory committee from existing statutes that govern state agency advisory committees, open meeting requirements, and public information disclosures.
Based on the information provided by the Railroad Commission, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
The bill would take effect if it receives a two-thirds vote in both houses; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2021.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.