SRC-PNG S.B. 828 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 828
76R1668 JJT-DBy: Shapleigh
Natural Resources
4/15/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, under Texas law, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC) is authorized to compromise, modify, or set aside
administrative penalties on businesses or other entities for violations of
environmental law or agency rules.  One factor TNRCC uses to determine the
amount of the administrative penalty is the violator's willingness to
contribute to a "supplemental environment project" approved by TNRCC.  This
bill would authorize TNRCC to approve supplemental environmental projects
located partially or wholly in the United Mexican States if the project
substantially benefits territory in Texas. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 828 authorizes the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission to approve supplemental environmental projects located partially
or wholly in the United Mexican States if the project substantially
benefits territory in Texas. 

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 7.067, Water Code, to authorize the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) to approve a supplemental
environmental project with activities in the territory of the United
Mexican States if the project substantially benefits territory in this
state in a manner described by Subsection (b).  Prohibits TNRCC from
approving a project that is necessary to bring a respondent into compliance
with environmental laws or that is necessary to remediate environmental
harm caused by the respondent's alleged violation.  Redefines "supplemental
environmental project." 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.