By: Watson S.B. No. 1597

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions associated with a metropolitan planning organization's long-range plan.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 472, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 472.035 to read as follows:

Sec. 472.035. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ANALYSIS OF LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. (a) In analyzing vehicle emissions associated with transportation activities expected to result from implementation of a long-range transportation plan to be adopted by a metropolitan planning organization on or after January 1, 2011, the organization must conduct an analysis of greenhouse gas emissions using the best available methods.

(1) The analysis must quantify carbon dioxide emissions using methods determined to be the best available by the department, in consultation with the state's metropolitan planning organizations, the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Council on Environmental Quality.

(2) The analysis may be quantitative or qualitative for other greenhouse gases including methane, nitrous oxide, hydroflorocarbons, perflouorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

(3) The department, in consultation with the parties listed in subsection (1) will monitor and update the agreed upon best available methods as necessary.

(b) The results of an analysis under Subsection (a) must be reported to the policy board and the public before any meeting at which the long-range plan or plan amendment involving one or more regionally significant projects will be considered for adoption.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.