79R6858 JTS-D
By: Bonnen H.B. No. 2411
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to emissions reductions obtained through certain energy
efficiency initiatives.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 386.101(6), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(6) "On-road diesel" means an on-road diesel-powered
motor vehicle [that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500
pounds or more].
SECTION 2. Section 386.115, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 386.115. MODIFICATION OF VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY. After
evaluating the availability of vehicles meeting the emissions
standards and after public notice and comment, the commission, in
consultation with the advisory board, may expand the program to
include other on-road vehicles, regardless of fuel type used, that
meet the emissions standards[, have a gross vehicle weight rating
of greater than 8,500 pounds,] and are purchased or leased in lieu
of a new on-road diesel.
SECTION 3. Section 388.003(e), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(e) Local amendments may not result in less stringent energy
efficiency requirements in nonattainment areas and in affected
counties than the energy efficiency chapter of the International
Residential Code or International Energy Conservation Code. Local
amendments must comply with the National Appliance Energy
Conservation Act of 1987 (42 U.S.C. Sections 6291-6309), as
amended. The laboratory, at the request of a municipality or
county, shall determine the relative impact of proposed local
amendments to an energy code, including whether proposed amendments
are substantially equal to or less stringent than the unamended
code. For the purpose of establishing uniform requirements
throughout a region, and on request of a council of governments, a
county, or a municipality, the laboratory may recommend a
climatically appropriate modification or a climate zone
designation for a county or group of counties that is different from
the climate zone designation in the unamended code. The laboratory
shall:
(1) report its findings to the council, county, or
municipality, including an estimate of any energy savings potential
above the base code from local amendments; and
(2) annually submit a report to the commission:
(A) identifying the municipalities and counties
whose codes are more stringent than the unamended code, and whose
codes are equally stringent or less stringent than the unamended
code; and
(B) quantifying energy savings and emissions
reductions from this program.
SECTION 4. Section 389.003, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 389.003. COMPUTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY EMISSIONS
REDUCTIONS AND ASSOCIATED CREDITS. (a) The commission shall
develop a method to use in computing emissions reductions obtained
through energy efficiency initiatives, including renewable energy
initiatives, and the credits associated with those reductions.
(b) The laboratory shall assist the commission and affected
political subdivisions in quantifying, as part of the state
implementation plan, credits for emissions reductions attributable
to energy efficiency programs, including renewable energy
programs.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.