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79R7647 JRJ-D

By:  Escobar                                                      H.B. No. 3153



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of a wind power research institute at Texas 
A&M University--Kingsville.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 87, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 87.304 to read as follows:
	Sec. 87.304.  WIND POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE.  (a)  The board 
of regents of The Texas A&M University System shall establish at 
Texas A&M University--Kingsville an institute to conduct research 
regarding the effects of coastal wind power installations on 
migratory bird populations and to coordinate technological 
advances in wind power to address those effects.
	(b)  The organization, control, and management of the 
institute is vested in the board of regents.
	(c)  The employment of personnel by and the operating budget 
of the institute are subject to the approval of the board of 
regents.  An employee of the institute is an employee of Texas A&M 
University--Kingsville.
	(d)  The institute shall:                                               
		(1)  conduct research on coastal wind power, the 
special equipment and engineering needed for wind power 
installations in coastal locations, and the impact wind power 
generation has on migratory bird populations;
		(2)  develop technologies to measure migratory bird 
populations;     
		(3)  train biologists to monitor birds and other 
wildlife; and       
		(4)  train engineers and technical personnel to design, 
install, operate, and maintain wind power turbines.
	(e)  The institute may establish technical advisory 
committees to develop the protocols and curriculum of the 
institute.
	(f)  The institute may serve as or contract with a public or 
private entity to serve as a public repository for:
		(1)  sighting studies of migratory birds; and                          
		(2)  operational monitoring data for wind power.                       
	(g)  The board of regents or the university may solicit and 
accept gifts and grants from a public or private source for the 
benefit of the institute.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.