The House Committee on Environmental Regulation
88th Legislature
September 5, 2024
9:00 a.m.
6100 Main Street
Rice University's Baker Institute
James A. Baker III Hall, Suite 160
Houston, Texas 77005
Pursuant to a notice posted on August 30, 2024, the House Committee on Environmental Regulation met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Landgraf, at 9:10 a.m.
The initial quorum
call was answered as follows: Representatives Landgraf; Bell, Keith; Dean; and
Lopez, Janie.
(Representative Morales Shaw now present.)
A quorum was
achieved.
The Chair and members made opening remarks.
The Committee
heard invited testimony on the following interim charges and topics:
Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's
jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by
the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and
other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of
all legislation, including the following:
HB 3060, relating to the regulation of recycling and recycled products; and
HB 4885, relating
to programs established and funded under the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan
(TERP).
(Representative Reynolds now present.)
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Impact of EPA
rules on Texas: Evaluate
and address the implications of recent EPA regulations proposed and promulgated
rules to assess their collective impact on air quality in Texas. Examine the
necessity for a new State Implementation Plan and explore potential legislative
measures to ensure a balanced approach that promotes regulatory compliance
while preserving economic vitality, especially in counties identified as at
risk of violation.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Hydrogen Industry
Impacts & Recommendations: Evaluate the environmental impacts of the
industrial development of emerging markets for hydrogen, including production,
transportation, storage, power generation, and other competitive market
opportunities. Make recommendations needed to build a competitive hydrogen
industry in the state.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
Concrete Batch
Plants in Houston: The committee will hear invited testimony on the
impact of concrete batch plants regulated by TCEQ on air, land and water in
Houston.
Chair recognized Representative Allen to speak on the measure.
Chair recognized Representative Senfronia Thompson to speak on the measure.
Testimony taken/registration recorded. (See attached witness list.)
At 12:58 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.
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Rep. Landgraf, Chair
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Marco Fuentes, Clerk