H.B. 2940 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2940
By: McReynolds
Environmental Regulation
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Environmental Education Partnership (TEEP) was established  in
1999 by the Texas Legislature as a public/private nonprofit education
partnership for development, implementation, and continued operation of
environmental education projects, activities, and programs.  The State of
Texas does not provide any type of funding for TEEP; however, other states
provide some funding for similar programs in their states. 

The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ)  administers
Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP).  SEP's are projects designed to
prevent and reduce pollution in the environment as well as educate the
public about environmental issues.  Businesses who are under enforcement
actions with TCEQ may decide to perform a SEP in conjunction with or in
leiu of a fine.  Businesses who choose a SEP must have their project
approved by the TCEQ.  The project could be within their community or with
an entity authorized by TCEQ.    

TEEP is an authorized  entity to administer Supplemental Environmental
Projects (SEP).  Monies received for SEP projects are currently unable to
be used for any administration cost.  H.B. 2940 allows the Texas
Environmental  Education Partnership Fund Board to use no more than 7
percent of any SEP monies, they may receive, for the purpose of carrying
out the requirements the legislature delegated to this board years ago. 

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

House Bill 2940 allows for the board to use, for administrative cost, up
to 7% of monies given to the board to carry out Supplemental Environmental
Projects under Section 7.067, Water Code. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.