SRC-SLL H.B. 1960 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1960
By: Howard (Brown)
Natural Resources
5-16-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The Pollution Prevention Council (PPC) was established by statute in 1991
to promote the coordination of pollution prevention programs administered
by the Texas Water Commission, the Texas Air Control Board, Texas
Department of Health, and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).
However, after the consolidation of the Texas Water Commission and the
Texas Air Control Board into the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC), and the transfer of the majority of environmental
programs from the Texas Department of Health to TNRCC, the remaining
agencies involved are TNRCC and RRC.  PPC continues to meet quarterly
although the entity has discovered no discrepancies in the program
administration between TNRCC and RRC in the past two years.  Additionally,
the two agencies have a memorandum of understanding which serves the same
purpose as the PPC.  This bill will abolish the Pollution Prevention
Council.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1960 abolished the Pollution Prevention Council.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 361.0215(b), Health and Safety Code, to delete a
provision requiring the Waste Reduction Advisory Committee to advise the
Pollution Prevention Council on matters the council is required to
consider under Section 361.021(d).  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 361.0211, Health and Safety Code (Pollution
Prevention Council). 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.