Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Environmental Regulation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB838 by Allen (Relating to the consideration of the cumulative effects of air contaminant emissions in the emissions permitting process.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 382.0518 to require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to consider the cumulative effects of expected air contaminant emissions from a facility and from other facilities located within three miles when considering applications for a permit for construction of or on a facility. TCEQ would be required to consider cumulative effects for the issuance or renewal of preconstruction permits. The provisions of the bill would apply only to applications for issuance or renewal of a permit received by TCEQ on or after the effective date of the bill. The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
According to analysis provided by TCEQ, incorporating the emissions data from surrounding facilities would have a minimal cost.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.