MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development was held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair		Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair		Senator Don Huffines
Senator Konni Burton
Senator Sylvia Garcia
Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Borris Miles
Senator José Rodríguez
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Van Taylor

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Borris Miles and Senator Kel Seliger.

 

The chair made opening remarks and welcomed all in attendance to the hearing. The chair then recognized Senator Judith Zaffirini to make remarks in honor and remembrance of the late Senator Babe Schwartz, a former chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

 

The Committee heard invited and public testimony regarding the following interim charge:

 

1.      Waste Disposal Regulation: Study the permitting and compliance processes for waste disposal and processing, including evaluating the criteria for approval, denial, and application return. Make recommendations for improving and streamlining the permitting and compliance processes while maximizing public participation for effective outreach and education. Review the allocation of the Municipal Solid Waste disposal fees and make recommendations regarding allocation methods to adequately support existing programs.

 

Witnesses testifying on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the

testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Committee then heard invited and public testimony on the following interim charge:

 

2.      Environmental Safety: Study the strategies and best practices for ensuring environmental safety during maintenance, startup, and shutdown activities due to emergencies. Recommend actions to improve safety without compromising compliance or penalizing good actors.

 

Witnesses testifying on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the

testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Committee then heard invited and public testimony on the following interim charge:

 

3.      Monitoring: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature, including:

o   Texas Railroad Commission Sunset and funding;

o   Environmental Regulatory and Legal Primacy; and

o   The effectiveness of emission reductions recognized from the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP) and grant flexibility.

 

Witnesses testifying on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the

testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 4:43 PM Senator Brian Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair

 

 

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Paige McGhee, Clerk