Amend CSSB 3 by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Chapter 141, Natural Resources Code, is amended by adding Subchapter E to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER E. DEVELOPMENT OF GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
Sec. 141.151. STUDY. The commission may study the potential for the development of geothermal energy and associated resources in this state by:
(1) examining the potential for using inactive or abandoned wells to produce geothermal energy;
(2) reviewing areas of the state with high geothermal activity;
(3) considering alternative uses of wells that the commission has ordered to be plugged; and
(4) examining ways to encourage the production of geothermal energy and associated resources in this state.
Sec. 141.152. PARTNERSHIPS. The commission may enter a partnership with the Bureau of Economic Geology of The University of Texas at Austin and the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Lab to facilitate a study described by Section 141.151.
Sec. 141.153. FEDERAL FUNDS. The commission may accept and spend federal funds for the purposes of this chapter, including engaging in a geothermal resource development activity identified in a study described by Section 141.151.