AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
All state entities are required to prepare reports related to utility conservation and management. Not all utility reporting requirements for state entities include water use and conservation as required elements. S.B. 700 seeks to merge the requirements of Section 477.009, Government Code, with Executive Order R.P. 49 to create consistent energy savings reporting. S.B. 700 requires the State Energy Conservation Office to submit a biennial report to the legislature on the status and effectiveness of utility management and conservation efforts.
S.B. 700 amends current law relating to energy and water management planning and reporting by state agencies and institutions of higher education.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 447.009, Government Code, to read as follows:
Sec. 447.009. ENERGY AND WATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING; REPORTING.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 447.009, Government Code, by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (e), as follows:
(c) Requires the state energy conservation office (SECO) to prepare guidelines for preparation of the plan described in Subsection (a)(3) (relating to requiring SECO to assist a state agency or an institution of higher education in preparing comprehensive energy and water management plans) and develop a template for state agencies and institutions of higher education to use in creating the plan. Requires each state agency and institution of higher education to set percentage goals for reducing the agency's or institution's use of water, electricity, gasoline, and natural gas and include those goals in the agency's or institution's comprehensive energy and water management plan. Requires a state agency or an institution of higher education that occupies a state-owned building to prepare and implement a five-year energy and water management plan and to submit that plan to SECO upon request. Requires the agency or institution to update its plan annually, rather than biennially.
(e) Requires SECO, not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, to submit a report to the governor and Legislative Budget Board on the status and effectiveness of the utility management and conservation efforts of state agencies and institutions of higher education. Requires that the report include information submitted to SECO from each state agency and institution of higher education. Requires SECO to post the report on SECO's Internet website.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2013.