BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1290

By: Perry

Environmental Regulation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) does not track contamination from the installation, operation, decommission, or disposal of solar panels, energy storage equipment, or wind turbines. Many of these items and their components and the facilities that utilize them are coming to the end of their life span. Other states are seeing an increase in disposal of these components. S.B. 1290 seeks to address this issue by requiring the TCEQ to study the effects of the installation, operation, removal, and disposal of solar, energy storage, and wind turbine equipment on the environment and watersheds.

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

S.B. 1290 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. The bill requires the TCEQ to consult with the following in conducting the study:

· the Department of Agriculture;

· the Texas A&M Forest Service;

· the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service;

· the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service;

· groundwater conservation districts; and

· river authorities.

The bill authorizes the TCEQ to enter into a memorandum of understanding with a university or foundation to assist with the study. The bill requires the 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 study's findings. The bill's provisions expire January 1, 2025.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.