H.B. 1192 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1192 By: West, George "Buddy" Energy Resources Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, 50% of all of the vehicles the Railroad Commission are required to purchase are alternative fuel vehicles. These vehicles are expensive, hard to repair, and are frequently in the shop. The purchase price for a factory converted alternative fueled light duty truck is approximately $4500 higher than an equally equipped conventional (gasoline) vehicle. The average base price for the alternative fueled truck option is $18,176 for an extended cab 1/2 ton vehicle. Using this number, the Railroad Commission of Texas could purchase four gasoline trucks for approximately the same cost as three alternative fueled trucks. Alternative fueled vehicles purchased prior to 2001 were post factory conversions. In the fall of 1999, Railroad Commission Field Operations conducted a survey of "propane problem failure" incidents since early 1998. During this 20th month period the downtime related to propane system failures was approximately 370 days. Maintenance problems have made it difficult to obtain parts and to locate qualified service vendors. Post factory conversions are now prohibited by federal regulations. HB 1192 would exempt the Railroad Commission from being required to buy and use alternativefueled vehicles unless the vehicles were being used in an area designated as a non-attainment to meet federal air quality standards. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Section 2158.004, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (e). Section 2158.004, Government Code amends Subsection(e), except for the purchase or lease of a motor vehicle for use in non-attainment area designated under Section 107(d) of the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7407), as amended, Subsection(a) does not apply to a purchase or lease by the Railroad Commission of Texas. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003. EFFECTIVE DATE This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.