Senate Committee on Natural Resources to Meet on Interim Charges 3, 5, and 6

On August 18^th at 9am, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources will meet to hear issues relating to Interim Charges 3, 5, and 6. The charges are:

3) Monitor and review the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s rules on carbon dioxide and federal legislation on greenhouse gases. Review the participation of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Railroad Commission of Texas, the Department of Agriculture, and the Public Utility Commission in working collaboratively to comply with the federal mandates and in meeting federal clean air standards.

5) Determine whether the TCEQ should identify and evaluate cumulative effects on public health and the environment due to air toxics and ozone precursor emissions proposed in applications for new air permits, air permit amendments, and air permit renewals. Make recommendations, if needed.

6) Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.

·         Monitor implementation of SB 16, relating to air quality;

·         Monitor the implementation of New Technology Implementation Grant program and assess the program’s effectiveness. Receive progress reports regarding the collaborative review of grant applications by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Comptroller of Public Accounts, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the Public Utility Commission as established by H.B. 1796;

·         Monitor the use of Texas Emissions Reduction Plan funds for the development of new strategies to reduce emissions; and

·         Monitor the environmental impacts, including water usage, and role of the TCEQ and other agencies in oil and natural gas development in areas of the state such as the Barnett Shale.

Members include the following Senators: Troy Fraser (Chair), Craig Estes (Vice-Chair), Bob Deuell, Robert Duncan, Kevin Eltife, Glenn Hegar, Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Mike Jackson, Robert Nichols, Kel Seliger, and Carlos Uresti.