BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2129
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Many of the state's efforts at improving air quality have focused on industry. There are cost-effective measures homeowners and businesses can take to improve air quality. There are a number of organizations throughout the state with the expertise to develop residential and commercial energy efficiency programs that could clean the air and save consumers money. Air quality improvements achieved through energy efficiency can be claimed under the state implementation plan.
H.B. 2129 directs the A&M Energy Systems Laboratory, the State Energy Conservation Office, and certain utilities to research consumer-oriented efficiency and air quality improvement options.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 388, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 388.012, as follows:
Sec. 388.012. DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY-SAVING METHODS. Requires the Energy Systems Laboratory at the Texas Engineering Experiment Station of The Texas A&M University System to develop at least three alternative methods for achieving a 15 percent greater potential energy savings in residential, commercial, and industrial construction than the potential energy savings of construction that is in minimum compliance with Section 388.003 (Adoption of Building Energy Efficiency Performance Standards). Sets forth certain guidelines relating to the alternative methods.
SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 477, Government Code, by adding Section 447.012, as follows:
Sec. 447.012. APPLIANCE STANDARDS. Requires the state energy conservation office (office) to determine the feasibility and cost-benefit to consumers of setting appliance standards for appliances that are not currently regulated for energy efficiency in this state, if the office determines that the new standards would reduce the emission of air contaminants. Prohibits the office from considering the feasibility and cost-benefit to consumers of setting appliance standards for air conditioning systems under this section.
SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 31, Utilities Code, by adding Section 31.005, as follows:
Sec. 31.005. CUSTOMER-OPTION PROGRAMS. (a) Provides that this section applies to certain entities.
(b) Requires an entity to which this section applies to consider establishing certain customer-option programs that encourage the reduction of air contaminant emissions.
SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2005.