SRC-MWN S.B. 1561 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1561
By: Shapleigh
Natural Resources
6/13/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Numerous air emission control programs implemented by the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) on behalf of the State of Texas
and the United States would benefit from the ability to encourage emissions
reductions in Mexico. S.B. 1561 authorizes  TNRCC to allow the use of
emissions reductions achieved outside the United States to satisfy
otherwise applicable emissions reduction requirements if certain conditions
are met. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 382.0172, Health and Safety Code, as follows: 

(b) Authorizes the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(commission), for purposes of any emission control or permit program
adopted or administered by the commission and subject to Subsection (c), to
accept certain emissions reductions in exchange for other emissions
reductions.  

(c) Authorizes the commission to authorize or allow substitution of
emissions reductions under Subsection (b) only if certain conditions are
met. 

SECTION 2. Requires the commission to report to the governor and the
legislature, not later than January 3, 2003, regarding the implementation
of the substitution of emissions reductions. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.