Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3121 by Alvarado (Relating to a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of toxic air pollutants in this state.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to conduct a study to identify the three toxic air contaminants with the highest emission levels in the state. The study would determine the main emission sources and evaluate the effects on public health. The data collected would be evaluated and the TCEQ would recommend strategies for reducing emission levels. Not later than December 1, 2010, the TCEQ would be required to report the results and recommendations to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house, and the standing committees of the house and senate with primary jurisdiction over environmental matters.
This estimate assumes that existing modeling and monitoring data will be adequate to complete a study of toxic air contaminants. Therefore, no significant fiscal implication to the agency is expected. If existing data is not adequate and additional monitoring is desired, the agency could need additional equipment and staff to gather more data. According to the TCEQ, agency experience has shown that for every ten additional ambient air network monitoring sites required, approximately nine FTEs are needed for instrument operation/maintenance, sample analysis, and data management.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.