SRC-PNG S.B. 1858 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1858
76R7473 WP-DBy: Nixon
Natural Resources
5/5/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

The Toledo Bend Reservoir, along the Texas-Louisiana border, was developed
for recreation, economic development, water conservation, tourism, and
power generation.  However, when the water level is below 168 feet mean sea
level, most of these purposes are not possible.  This bill would restrict
hydro-electric power generation from the Toledo Bend Reservoir when the
water level drops below 168 feet mean sea level, with certain exceptions. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1858 restricts hydro-electric power generation from the
Toledo Bend Reservoir when the water level drops below 168 feet mean sea
level with certain exceptions. 

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 14(k), Article 8280-133, V.T.C.S., to prohibit
the Sabine River Authority from controlling, storing, or employing the
waters of the Toledo Bend Reservoir for the generation of hydro-electric
power if the mean sea level of the reservoir is below 168 feet, with
certain exceptions. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.