BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1346

By: Thompson, Ed

Environmental Regulation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are concerns that the diesel emissions reduction incentive program, which was created to provide financial incentives to eligible individuals, businesses, and local governments to reduce emissions from vehicles and equipment, is too restrictive in the criteria used to select participants which inhibits Texas from joining efforts to help the state achieve federal Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards. H.B. 1346 seeks to address this issue by revising the eligibility requirements for the diesel emissions reduction incentive program.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1346 amends the Health and Safety Code to authorize the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, for a proposed project that may be considered for a grant under the diesel emissions reduction incentive program other than a project involving a marine vessel or engine, to set the minimum percentage of vehicle miles traveled or hours of operation required to take place in a nonattainment area or affected county at a percentage and for a period that is different from the statutorily specified percentage and period.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.