BILL ANALYSIS
By: Hughes
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The development, construction, and operation of a clean coal 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. It 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, thereby ultimately protecting the Texas environment.
CSHB 2608 directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to use money available from legislative appropriations - including gifts, grants, and donations - to support eligible institutions applied research related to clean coal or certain other projects for the generation of electricity from coal.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
CSHB 2608 amends the Education Code requiring the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to use money available from legislative appropriations to support eligible higher education institutions applied research related to:
1. The development, construction, and operation of a clean coal project in Texas; or
2. Electricity generation using lignite coal deposits in Texas or integrated gasification combines cycle technology.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute expands the scope of eligible projects to include applied research that is related to electricity generation using lignite coal deposits or integrated gasification combined cycle technology.