BILL ANALYSIS
By: Averitt
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
A study conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) after the 79th legislative session found that current low emission standards for residential hot water heaters are technically and economically infeasible. S.B. 1665 provides more lenient standards until stricter federal standards are adopted.
As proposed, S.B. 1665 repeals current low emission standards for residential water heaters.
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
S.B. 1665 amends the Health and Safety Code to prohibit the TCEQ from adopting or enforcing a rule, determination, or order that relates to emissions of residential water heaters that is below 40 nanograms of NOx per joule unless a lower standard is established by a federal statute or rule.
The bill repeals any TCEQ rule, determination, or order existing on or before the effective date of this subsection related to emission specifications for residential water heaters that is more stringent than the 40 nanograms of NOx per joule standard.
The bill repeals subsections (b) and (c), Section 382.0275 of the Health and Safety Code relating to residential gas water heaters.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.