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.