BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1665
By: Averitt
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
A study conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality 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 more strict federal standards are adopted.
As proposed, S.B. 1665 repeals current low emission standards for residential water heaters.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
[While the statutory reference in this bill is to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), the following amendments affect the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), as the successor agency to TNRCC.]
SECTION 1. Amends Section 382.0275, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsection (b), as follows:
(b) Prohibits TCEQ from adopting or enforcing a rule, determination, or order that relates to emissions of residential water heaters that is below 40 nanograms NOx per joule unless a lower standard is established by a federal statute or rule. Repeals any TCEQ rule, determination, or order existing on or before the effective date of this legislation related to emission specifications for residential water heaters that is more stringent than the 40 nanograms of NOx per joule standard.
SECTION 2. Repealer: Sections 382.0275 (b) (relating to a certain study) and (c) (relating to emission reductions related to residential gas water heaters), Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.