Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB15 by Fraser (Relating to state energy policy and the planning of energy development and utilization and to certain related electric power generation issues.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Utilities Code relating to state energy policy and the planning of energy development and utilization. The bill would establish the Texas Energy Policy Council, which would be composed of 13 members from various state agencies, members of the Legislature and members from other entities as specified by the bill. The bill would require the Council to meet at least quarterly in even-numbered years. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) would be designated as the state agency responsible for administering the council. The bill would require the Council to submit to the legislature various plans and reports as specified by the bill.
The bill would require the Railroad Commission to submit a report to the PUC on coal and gas reserves in the state. The Comptroller of Public Accounts would be required to provide, upon request, information related to the development of the report.
The bill would require the PUC to publish a report on electric energy generation, including an air pollution reduction plan. The PUC estimates the completion of this report would require the PUC to hire a consultant at a cost of $200,000 in fiscal year 2012. Under the provisions of the bill, the implementation of this report is contingent on the PUC receiving gifts, grants or donations sufficient to cover the expenses incurred by the PUC.
Based on the analysis of the Public Utility Commission, Railroad Commission, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and Comptroller of Public Accounts, it is assumed that responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 455 Railroad Commission, 473 Public Utility Commission of Texas, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality