H.B. 1616 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 1616
By: Farabee
Energy Resources
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The 77th Legislature (HB 2845) directed the State Energy Conservation
Office to develop a statewide plan for the coordinated acceleration of the
commercialization of fuel cell generation in Texas. As a result of this
plan, the energy office has taken the lead for information concerning fuel
cells and available federal funds and programs that can be brought into
this state. President Bush has recently announced an increase in federal
funding of fuel cell research, development, and commercialization to a
total of $1.7 billion over the next five years. 

House Bill 1616 directs the State Energy Conservation Office to partner
with the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies in order to
ensure that federal funding for fuel cell research, development, and
commercialization comes to Texas. 

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. Chapter 447, Government Code as amended by Chapters 573, 1158,
and 1398, Acts of the 77th Legislature, 2001,  is amended by adding
Section 447.012 to require the State Energy Conservation Office to partner
with the United States Department of Energy and other federal agencies or
programs to develop cooperative programs related to research, development
and demonstration of fuel cell technology in this state. 

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.