79R11344 SLO-D


By:  Bonnen                                                       H.B. No. 2129

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2129:                                   

By:  Bonnen                                                   C.S.H.B. No. 2129


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to energy-saving measures that reduce the emission of air contaminants. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 388, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 388.012 to read as follows: Sec. 388.012. DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY-SAVING METHODS. The laboratory shall 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. The alternative methods: (1) may include both prescriptive and performance-based approaches, such as the approach of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star qualified new home labeling program; and (2) must include an estimate of: (A) the implementation costs and energy savings to consumers; and (B) the related emissions reductions. SECTION 2. Chapter 447, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 447.012 to read as follows: Sec. 447.012. APPLIANCE STANDARDS. The state energy conservation office shall 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. The office may not consider the feasibility and cost-benefit to consumers of setting appliance standards for air conditioning systems under this section. SECTION 3. Chapter 31, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 31.005 to read as follows: Sec. 31.005. CUSTOMER-OPTION PROGRAMS. (a) This section applies to: (1) a municipally owned electric utility; (2) an electric cooperative; (3) an electric utility; (4) a power marketer; (5) a retail electric provider; and (6) a transmission and distribution utility. (b) An entity to which this section applies shall consider establishing customer-option programs that encourage the reduction of air contaminant emissions, such as: (1) an appliance retirement and recycling program; (2) a solar water heating market transformation program; (3) an air conditioning tune-up program; (4) a program that allows the use of on-site energy storage as an eligible efficiency measure in existing programs; (5) a program that encourages the deployment of advanced electricity meters; (6) a program that encourages the installation of cool roofing materials; (7) a program that establishes lighting limits; and (8) a program that encourages the use of high-efficiency building distribution transformers and variable air volume fan controls. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.