S.B. No. 898
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to energy efficiency programs in institutions of higher
  education and certain governmental entities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subsections (c), (d), and (e), Section 388.005,
  Health and Safety Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (c)  Each political subdivision, institution of higher
  education, or state agency shall establish a goal to reduce the
  electric consumption by the entity by at least five percent each
  state fiscal year for 10 [six] years, beginning September 1, 2011
  [2007].
         (d)  A political subdivision, institution of higher
  education, or state agency that does not attain the goals
  established under Subsection (c) must include in the report
  required by Subsection (e) justification that the entity has
  already implemented all available cost-effective measures. An
  entity that submits a report under this subsection indicating that
  the entity has reviewed its available options, has determined that
  no additional measures are cost-effective, and [it] has already
  implemented all available cost-effective measures is exempt from
  the annual reporting requirement of Subsection (e) if a subsequent
  report would indicate no change in status.  An entity may be
  required to provide notice that it is exempt to the State Energy
  Conservation Office.
         (e)  A political subdivision, institution of higher
  education, or state agency annually shall report to the State
  Energy Conservation Office, on forms provided by that office,
  regarding the entity's goal, the entity's efforts to meet the goal,
  and progress the entity has made under this section.  The State
  Energy Conservation Office shall provide assistance and
  information to the entity to help the entity meet [the] goals
  established [set] under this section.  The office must develop and
  make available a standardized form for reporting purposes.
         SECTION 2.  Section 388.006, Health and Safety Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 388.006.  STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICE EVALUATION.
  The State Energy Conservation Office annually shall provide the
  commission and the laboratory with an evaluation of the
  effectiveness of state and political subdivision energy efficiency
  programs, including programs under this chapter.  The laboratory
  shall calculate, based on the evaluation and the forms submitted to
  the office, the amount of energy savings and estimated reduction in
  pollution achieved as a result of the implementation of programs.
  The laboratory shall share the information with the commission, the
  United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the Electric
  Reliability Council of Texas to help with long-term forecasting and
  in estimating pollution reduction.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 898 passed the Senate on
  April 14, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 10.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 898 passed the House on
  May 23, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 139, Nays 7, two
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor