86R12323 JRR-D

By: Menéndez S.B. No. 2069

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the development of a climate adaptation plan by certain entities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 5, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Chapter 396 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 396. CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN

Sec. 396.001. PARTICIPATING ENTITIES. Not later than September 1, 2020, and before the end of each successive four-year period after that date, each of the following entities shall publish a climate adaptation plan that will assess the entity's role with respect to climate change:

(1) the Department of Agriculture;

(2) each independent organization certified under Section 39.151, Utilities Code;

(3) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;

(4) the General Land Office;

(5) the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;

(6) the Texas Department of Insurance;

(7) the Parks and Wildlife Department;

(8) the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas;

(9) the Public Utility Commission of Texas;

(10) the office of the comptroller;

(11) the Texas A&M Forest Service; and

(12) the Texas Water Development Board.

Sec. 396.002. PLAN. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, a climate adaptation plan is a strategy to identify, minimize, and adequately prepare for the effects of climate change on the social, economic, and ecological systems of this state and to manage the risks associated with a changing climate. A plan under this chapter must be based on current peer-reviewed climate science that identifies the likely impacts of rising ambient temperatures, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns on this state.

(b) Each climate adaptation plan must include:

(1) a climate change vulnerability assessment;

(2) a review of existing programs in the context of anticipated changing climate conditions;

(3) specific steps necessary for the entity to fulfill its mission during the anticipated climate change;

(4) an analysis of the effects implementing the steps identified under Subdivision (3) would have on the entity's budget during the next 5 and 10 years;

(5) potential sources of funding to support the entity's efforts to adapt to climate change;

(6) a statewide strategy to monitor the continuing effects that climate change may have on the entity's ability to fulfill the entity's missions; and

(7) a written statement by the Texas state climatologist regarding the adequacy of the scientific basis of the plan.

(c) In developing a climate adaptation plan, each entity subject to this chapter shall:

(1) consider the most current assessment reports created by the United States Global Change Research Program; and

(2) consult with the Texas state climatologist or another climate expert employed at a Texas institution of higher education or nonprofit research institution.

(d) Not later than September 1, 2020, and before the end of each successive four-year period after that date, each entity subject to this chapter shall post the entity's climate adaptation plan on a publicly accessible Internet website and electronically submit a copy of the plan to:

(1) the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives;

(2) the presiding officer of each standing committee or subcommittee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over environmental matters; and

(3) the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

(e) Each climate adaptation plan is subject to audit by the state auditor in accordance with Chapter 321, Government Code.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2019.