88R13355 KBB-D
 
  By: Parker S.B. No. 1404
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of a work group to study the benefits of
  coal-to-nuclear electric generating facility conversion.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  DEFINITION. In this Act, "work group" means the
  coal-to-nuclear conversion work group established under Section 2
  of this Act.
         SECTION 2.  WORK GROUP FORMATION AND ADMINISTRATION. (a)  
  The coal-to-nuclear conversion work group is established and
  composed of 10 members with:
               (1)  five members appointed by the speaker of the house
  of representatives; and
               (2)  five members appointed by the lieutenant governor.
         (b)  Individuals appointed to the work group under
  Subsection (a) of this section must have knowledge and experience
  in nuclear engineering, nuclear safety, energy policy, or economic
  analysis.
         (c)  The work group shall select a member of the work group to
  serve as the work group's presiding officer.
         (d)  The work group shall meet at the call of its presiding
  officer.
         (e)  The work group may form committees for the efficient
  operation of the work group, at the discretion of the presiding
  officer of the work group. The presiding officer of the work group
  shall appoint the presiding officer of each committee group. The
  presiding officer of a committee may invite other members of the
  work group to serve on the committee. A committee may consult with
  subject matter experts.
         (f)  The work group may adopt rules, procedures, and policies
  as necessary or convenient to administer this Act and fulfill the
  responsibilities of the work group.
         (g)  A member of the work group may not receive compensation
  for serving on the work group but is entitled to reimbursement for
  expenses incurred by the member in the performance of official
  duties as a member of the work group as provided by the General
  Appropriations Act.
         (h)  The senate and the house of representatives shall
  provide administrative support to the work group as necessary to
  implement this Act.
         SECTION 3.  WORK GROUP DUTIES. (a)  The work group shall:
               (1)  study the benefits of converting sites in this
  state with coal-fired electric generating facilities to use nuclear
  electric generating facilities instead; and
               (2)  develop a model plan for implementing
  coal-to-nuclear conversion to provide affordable and sustainable
  power in this state.
         (b)  In developing the model plan, the work group shall:
               (1)  conduct a comprehensive review of research and
  information on coal-to-nuclear conversion and related issues;
               (2)  engage in stakeholder outreach to gather feedback
  and input from the public, industry, state agencies, and relevant
  organizations;
               (3)  identify the potential benefits of
  coal-to-nuclear conversion, including cost-effectiveness, energy
  security, and reduced environmental impact;
               (4)  assess the economic viability of coal-to-nuclear
  conversion and provide recommendations on financing and
  cost-effectiveness; and
               (5)  consider the regulatory framework and
  requirements for coal-to-nuclear conversion and provide
  recommendations for streamlining the conversion process.
         (c)  Not later than October 31, 2024, the work group shall
  submit to each standing committee of the senate and house of
  representatives with oversight jurisdiction over environmental
  concerns or electric utilities a report that includes the model
  plan developed under this section and any findings or
  recommendations made by a committee formed under Section 2(e) of
  this Act.
         SECTION 4.  APPOINTMENTS.  As soon as practicable, but not
  later than October 1, 2023, the lieutenant governor and speaker of
  the house of representatives shall appoint the members of the work
  group.
         SECTION 5.  INITIAL MEETING.  Not later than November 1,
  2023, the work group shall hold its initial meeting and select the
  presiding officer of the work group.
         SECTION 6.  EXPIRATION. This Act expires and the work group
  is abolished June 30, 2025.
         SECTION 7.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect September
  1, 2023.