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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1561
77R6723 MI-FBy: Shapleigh
Natural Resources
3/21/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, 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. As proposed, S.B. 1561 authorizes the 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, to authorize
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission), for
purposes of any emission control or permit program adopted or administered
by the commission, to accept certain emissions reductions in exchange for
other emissions reductions. 

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.