BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 542

                                                                                                                                         By: Watson

                                                                                                                      Economic Development

                                                                                                                                            4/24/2009

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

This bill will allow Texas to build on its expertise in energy and lead the world to the 21st century clean-energy economy by creating solutions and technologies that can then be exported to the rest of the world. 

 

This bill directs the emerging technology fund to prioritize investments in research, development, and commercialization of technologies, systems, products, and processes that will position Texas to be a world leader in the 21st century energy economy.  Timing of these investments is critical given the national and global race to lead the work in developing the next generation of energy technologies.  

 

As proposed, S.B. 542 relates to the use of money from the Texas emerging technology fund for the research and development of clean energy.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 490, Government Code, by adding Section 490.1027, as follows:

 

Sec.  490.1027.  USE OF MONEY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN ENERGY-RELATED INITIATIVES.  (a)  Requires the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives to ensure that all the money distributed from the Texas emerging technology fund (fund) for the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2009, and ending August 31, 2011, less any amounts awarded for biotechnology, medicine, and life sciences during the biennium ending August 31, 2009, and less any amounts necessary to administer the fund under Section 490.055 (Staff and Funding), will be used as provided by Subchapter D, E, or F for the research and development of low carbon fuels; low carbon electric generation technologies including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electricity storage; and carbon emissions mitigation strategies.   

 

(b)  Provides that this section controls to the extent of a conflict between this section and Section 490.302 (Use of Money for Clean Coal Project) or another provision of this chapter. 

 

(c)  Provides that this section expires January 1, 2012.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2009.