BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2608
80R12751 KEL-D By: Hughes (Eltife)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The development, construction, and operation of a clean coal project (project) in this state will help prove the technical and economic feasibility of producing low-cost electricity and hydrogen from coal while substantially reducing air emissions. These projects will also create unique opportunities for scientific exploration, education, and stakeholder engagement. It is essential that Texas universities have sufficient funds to conduct applied research on this advanced technology to ensure that electric and hydrogen producing facilities will have the capability of reducing air emissions in the future and thereby ultimately protect the Texas environment.
H.B. 2608 directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to use money available from legislative appropriations -- including gifts, grants, and donations -- to support applied research related to clean coal projects for the generation of electricity from coal at eligible institutions.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 143, Education Code, by adding Section 143.0051, as follows:
Sec. 143.0051. APPLIED RESEARCH FOR CLEAN COAL PROJECT AND OTHER PROJECTS FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION. Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to use money available for the purpose from legislative appropriations, including gifts, grants, and donations, to support at one or more eligible institutions applied research related to certain activities relating to certain clean coal projects and certain electricity generation.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.