Honorable Kip Averitt, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB184 by Watson (Relating to "no regrets" greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to identify emission reduction strategies for greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride) in Texas. The agency would be required to submit a list of strategies for reducing greenhouse gases that may result in savings for consumers or businesses or could be achieved without financial cost to businesses or consumers to the Legislature no later than December 31, 2009. The TCEQ would also need to consider strategies for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that have been implemented in other states or nations. The commission would be allowed to appoint an advisory committee to assist in identifying and evaluating greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies.
The TCEQ estimates that it would take staff approximately four months to prepare and deliver the report required by the bill. This estimate assumes that costs incurred in completing the study would be absorbed using existing agency resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.