This website will be unavailable from Friday, April 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, April 29, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.

                                                                                

79R7868 SGA-D

By:  Uresti                                                       H.B. No. 2857



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to increasing certain new construction energy efficiency 
standards and reducing the consumption of natural resources.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 388.002, Health and Safety Code, is 
amended by adding Subdivision (13) to read as follows:
		(13)  "Energy Star program" means the federal program 
that authorizes the placement of the ENERGY STAR label on 
appliances that meet energy efficiency criteria set by the United 
States Environmental Protection Agency or the United States 
Department of Energy.
	SECTION 2.  Chapter 388, Health and Safety Code, is amended 
by adding Sections 388.0112, 388.012, and 388.013 to read as 
follows:
	Sec. 388.0112.  RESIDENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW 
CONSTRUCTION.  A builder may show compliance with the applicable 
standards developed under this chapter by:
		(1)  using and meeting the passing level of residential 
construction compliance software developed specifically for north 
central Texas that incorporates amendments to the International 
Energy Conservation Code recommended by the North Central Texas 
Council of Governments and raises the passing level to 15 percent 
above the International Energy Conservation Code standards;
		(2)  using windows that meet higher ratings 
requirements; or         
		(3)  participating in the Energy Star program or 
another approved above-code program with 100 percent testing of 
houses.
	Sec. 388.012.  NONRESIDENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW 
CONSTRUCTION.  For nonresidential construction, a builder may show 
compliance with the applicable energy efficiency standards under 
this chapter and those amended under the 2003 International Energy 
Conservation Code by meeting the 2003 amended:
		(1)  cool roof standards;                                              
		(2)  variable speed control standards for fans; or                     
		(3)  lighting efficiency standards.                                    
	Sec. 388.013.  APPLIANCE STANDARDS FOR APPLIANCES NOT 
FEDERALLY REGULATED.  The State Energy Conservation Office may set 
energy efficiency standards for appliances that are not federally 
regulated.
	SECTION 3.  Sections 388.0112 and 388.012, Health and Safety 
Code, as added by this Act, apply only to new construction completed 
on or after the effective date of this Act.
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.