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


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1561
77R11233 MI-FBy: Shapleigh
Natural Resources
3/28/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


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. C.S.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, as follows: 

(b) Authorize 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.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. Amends As Filed S.B. 1561, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

 _Adds newly proposed Subsection (c) regarding the commission authorizing
or allowing substitution of emissions reductions only if certain conditions
are met. Makes a nonsubstantive change.