By: Watson S.B. No. 184
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to "no regrets" greenhouse gas emissions reduction
  strategies.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 2305, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Section 2305.201 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2305.201.  STRATEGIES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE
  GASES.  (a)  In this section, "greenhouse gas" includes carbon
  dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons,
  perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
         (b)  Not later than December 31, 2010, the comptroller shall
  prepare and deliver to each member of the legislature a report
  including a list of strategies for reducing emissions of greenhouse
  gases in this state that:
               (1)  shall result in net savings for consumers or
  businesses in this state;
               (2)  can be achieved without financial cost to
  consumers or businesses in this state; or
               (3)  help businesses in the state maintain global
  competitiveness.
         (c)  In preparing the list of emission reduction strategies,
  the comptroller shall consider the strategies for reducing the
  emissions of greenhouse gases that have been implemented in other
  states or nations.
         (d)  In determining under Subsection (b) whether an emission
  reduction strategy may result in a financial cost to consumers or
  businesses in this state, the comptroller shall consider the total
  net costs that may occur over the life of the strategy.
         (e)  A report prepared under Subsection (b) shall include the
  following information for each identified strategy:
               (1)  initial, short-term capital costs that may result
  from the implementation of the strategy delineated by the cost to
  business, and the costs to consumers; and
               (2)  lifetime costs and savings that may result from
  the implementation of the strategy delineated by the costs and
  savings to business and the costs and savings to consumers.
         (f)  The comptroller shall appoint one or more advisory
  committees to assist the comptroller in identifying and evaluating
  greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies.  At least one
  representative from the following agencies shall serve on the
  advisory committee or committees:
               (1)  the Railroad Commission of Texas;
               (2)  the General Land Office;
               (3)  the Texas Commission on Enviornmental Quality;
               (4)  the Department of Agriculture; and
               (5)  a Texas institution of higher education.
         (g)  The comptroller may enter into an interagency agreement
  with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality or other state
  agency for technical advice or assistance as necessary to complete
  the requirements of this section.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.