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.