LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 4, 2009

TO:	Honorable Burt R. Solomons, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3664 by Geren (Relating to a requirement of a permit or permit amendment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for the construction or modification of an electric generating facility in the coastal zone of this state that uses wind power.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to adopt rules on procedures for acting on new or modified wind power generating facility permit applications and the application form. The bill would require TCEQ to consult with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in adopting these rules. The bill would also require TCEQ to consider whether the proposed location of the facility or the proposed facility is consistent with the goals and policies of the coastal management program, and to adopt rules that provide for the consideration and protection of a variety of things, including wildlife issues, various places listed in the National Register of Historic Places, adjacent property owners and severe weather zones

Although the TCEQ and TPWD would likely incur costs in implementing the provisions of the bill, this estimate assumes that such costs could be absorbed within each agency's existing budget.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

582 Commission on Environmental Quality, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, TL