BILL ANALYSIS
By: Geren
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has the authority to issue an emergency order to allow immediate action to facilitate the repair, replacement or addition to facilities that have been damaged or made inoperable by a catastrophic event. Currently, however, the Commission has little or no authority to grant an emergency order for the placement of facilities to repair or replace roads, bridges, or make other infrastructure improvements that are needed as a result of a catastrophe.
HB 2949 would allow the Commission to issue an emergency order to authorize facilities to temporarily locate and repair or reconstruct public works projects that have been damaged or destroyed due to unforeseen acts of nature or emergencies.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the opinion of the committee that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
House Bill 2949 amends the Water Code to authorize the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue an emergency order authorizing immediate action for the repair or replacement of roads, bridges, or other infrastructure destroyed during a catastrophe and the emissions of air contaminant during such action. The bill amends the application requirements for an emergeny order.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005