AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

S.B. 991 is intended to study ways to use less water-intensive methods of powering desalination plants.  Currently, fossil-fueled electricity production used to power desalination plants is very water-intensive, so we are using water to make water.  Coupling desalination with certain renewable energy resources would allow for freshwater production with use of much less water.

 

S.B. 991 would require the General Land Office (GLO) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to jointly conduct a study regarding the use of wind and solar power to develop and desalinate brackish groundwater.  Under the bill, GLO and TWDB may coordinate with a research division of a university in conducting a study.

 

As proposed, S.B. 991 amends current law relating to a requirement that the General Land Office and the Texas Water Development Board conduct a study regarding the use of wind and solar power to develop and desalinate brackish groundwater.

 

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. (a) Requires the General Land Office (GLO) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to jointly conduct a study regarding the use of wind and solar power to develop and desalinate brackish groundwater.

 

(b) Authorizes GLO and TWDB to coordinate with a research division of a university in conducting the study.

 

SECTION 2. Requires GLO and TWDB, not later than December 31, 2016, to report the results of the study conducted under this Act to the governor and the legislature.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.