82R3108 KJM-D

By: Burnam H.B. No. 977

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the development of a climate adaptation plan by certain

entities.

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

SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 5, Health and Safety Code, is

amended by adding Chapter 393 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 393. CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN

Sec. 393.001. PARTICIPATING ENTITIES. Not later than

September 1, 2012, and before the end of each successive four-year

period after that date, each of the following entities shall

publish a climate adaptation plan that will assess the entity's

role with respect to climate change:

(1) the Department of Agriculture;

(2) each independent organization certified under

Section 39.151, Utilities Code;

(3) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;

(4) the General Land Office;

(5) the Texas Department of Housing and Community

Affairs;

(6) the Texas Department of Insurance;

(7) the Parks and Wildlife Department;

(8) the Department of Public Safety of the State of

Texas;

(9) the Public Utility Commission of Texas;

(10) the office of the comptroller;

(11) the Texas Forest Service; and

(12) the Texas Water Development Board.

Sec. 393.002. PLAN. (a) For the purposes of this chapter,

a climate adaptation plan is a strategy to identify, minimize, and

adequately prepare for the effects of climate change on the social,

economic, and ecological systems of this state and to manage the

risks associated with a changing climate. A plan under this chapter

must be based on current peer-reviewed climate science that

identifies the likely impacts of rising ambient temperatures,

rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns on this

state.

(b) Each climate adaptation plan must include:

(1) a climate change vulnerability assessment;

(2) a review of existing programs in the context of

anticipated changing climate conditions;

(3) specific steps necessary for the entity to fulfill

its mission during the anticipated climate change;

(4) an analysis of the effects implementing the steps

identified under Subdivision (3) would have on the entity's budget

during the next 5 and 10 years;

(5) potential sources of funding to support the

entity's efforts to adapt to climate change;

(6) a statewide strategy to monitor the continuing

effects that climate change may have on the entity's ability to

fulfill the entity's missions; and

(7) a written statement by the Texas state

climatologist regarding the adequacy of the scientific basis of the

plan.

(c) In developing a climate adaptation plan, each entity

subject to this chapter shall:

(1) consider the most current assessment reports

created by the United States Global Change Research Program; and

(2) consult with the Texas state climatologist or

another climate expert employed at a Texas institution of higher

education or nonprofit research institution.

(d) Not later than September 1, 2012, and before the end of

each successive four-year period after that date, each entity

subject to this chapter shall post the entity's climate adaptation

plan on a publicly accessible Internet website and electronically

submit a copy of the plan to:

(1) the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of

the house of representatives;

(2) the presiding officer of each standing committee

or subcommittee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over

environmental matters; and

(3) the executive director of the Texas Commission on

Environmental Quality.

(e) Each climate adaptation plan is subject to audit by the

state auditor in accordance with Chapter 321, Government Code.

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, 2011.