BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1290
	By: Perry
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	6/6/2023
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) does not track contamination from the installation, operation, decommission, or disposal of solar panels, energy storage, or wind turbines. Many of these facilities or their components are coming to the end of their life span. Other states are seeing an increase in disposal of the components.

The bill requires TCEQ to study the effects of the installation, operation, decommission, and disposal of solar panels, energy storage, and wind turbines on the environment and watershed. 

(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

S.B. 1290 amends current law relating to a study of the effects of the installation, operation, removal, and disposal of solar, wind turbine, and energy storage equipment.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. DEFINITION. Defines "commission."

SECTION 2. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF INSTALLATION, OPERATION, REMOVAL, AND DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN EQUIPMENT. (a) Requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to conduct a study on the current and potential effects of the installation, operation, removal, and disposal of solar, wind turbine, and energy storage equipment on the environment and watersheds.

(b) Requires TCEQ, in conducting the study under this section, to consult with:

(1) the Texas Department of Agriculture;

(2) the Texas A&M Forest Service;

(3) the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service;

(4) the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service;

(5) groundwater conservation districts; and

(6) river authorities.

(c) Authorizes TCEQ to enter into a memorandum of understanding with a university or foundation to assist with the study.

(d) Requires TCEQ, not later than December 1, 2024, to submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives a report that includes the findings of the study conducted under this section.

SECTION 3. EXPIRATION. Provides that this Act expires January 1, 2025.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.