Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 2713	House Author:  Bonnen et al.
Effective:  Vetoed	Senate Sponsor:  Averitt

            House Bill 2713 creates an interim special committee on electric energy generation capacity and environmental impact to study the state's future demand for electric generation capacity and the effects on the environment of existing electric generating facilities and to develop long-term electric energy and environmental impact plans.  The bill also requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas to conduct a study on the potential of electric energy storage devices to benefit the operation of transmission and distribution systems and to authorize one or more electric utilities or transmission utilities to operate related demonstration projects.

            Reason Given for Veto: "House Bill No. 2713 proposes legislative review of existing generation facilities, which would be duplicative. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality already reviews existing generation facilities to ensure they meet the environmental quality standards set forth in state law. The Speaker and Lieutenant Governor can independently assign interim studies to their standing committees if they so choose."