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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions associated |
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with a metropolitan planning organization's long-range plan. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 472, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 472.035 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 472.035. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ANALYSIS OF |
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LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN. (a) In analyzing vehicle |
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emissions associated with transportation activities expected to |
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result from implementation of a long-range transportation plan to |
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be adopted by a metropolitan planning organization on or after |
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January 1, 2011, the organization must conduct an analysis of |
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greenhouse gas emissions using the best available methods. |
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(1) The analysis must quantify carbon dioxide |
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emissions using methods determined to be the best available by the |
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department, in consultation with the state's metropolitan planning |
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organizations, the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit |
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Administration, the United States Environmental Protection Agency |
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and the Texas Council on Environmental Quality. |
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(2) The analysis may be quantitative or qualitative |
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for other greenhouse gases including methane, nitrous oxide, |
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hydroflorocarbons, perflouorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. |
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(3) The department, in consultation with the parties |
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listed in subsection (1) will monitor and update the agreed upon |
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best available methods as necessary. |
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(b) The results of an analysis under Subsection (a) must be |
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reported to the policy board and the public before any meeting at |
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which the long-range plan or plan amendment involving one or more |
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regionally significant projects will be considered for adoption. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |