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12 Document(s) [ Subject: Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on ]
| Committee: | Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Border security | Cattle | Daylight saving time | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Flood control | Groundwater | Groundwater conservation districts | Hydraulic fracturing | Infrastructure | Meat processing plants | Produced Water Consortium, Texas | Reservoirs | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Texas State Water Plan | Theft | Undocumented immigrants | Wastewater management | Water conservation | Water Development Board, Texas | Water recycling | Water supplies | Winter Storm Uri | Workforce Commission, Texas | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.87 W291A | |
| Session: | 87th R.S. (2021) | |
| Online version: | View report [88 pages File size: 4,475 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Water Utility Infrastructure: Evaluate the state's water infrastructure. Study and make recommendations on options to upgrade and update water infrastructure to address deferred maintenance, disasters, and water loss. | |
| 2. | Water Supply: Review and make recommendations to complete specific projects identified in the 2022 State Water Plan. In light of recent changes to the global economy, consider the current regulatory process regarding innovative technology solutions to water supply needs, such as marine desalination, and make recommendations for their improvement. | |
| 3. | Groundwater Management and Protection: Evaluate the status and effectiveness of the State's groundwater management process, including data used to support regional water planning and conservation goals. Report on the effectiveness of the State's groundwater protection efforts and whether statutory changes are needed to protect groundwater quality. | |
| 4. | Rural Employment: Study and make recommendations on rural small business development and workforce needs. Consider and recommend innovative methods for business development in rural parts of the state. | |
| 5. | Daylight Savings Time: Examine and report on how permanently maintaining daylight savings time impacts the agricultural community. | |
| 6. | Rural Immigration: Consider the Federal government's open border policies and practices of releasing illegal immigrants in rural areas of the state. Report on the impact to rural Texas, and their local ability to address social, health, and law enforcement needs. | |
| 7. | Meat Packing Facilities: Study the need for additional meat packing facilities in Texas. Evaluate and report on the increased cost to Texas ranchers and revenue lost in the Texas economy when meatpacking facilities are utilized outside of Texas. | |
| 8. | Agricultural Theft: Study the impact of cattle theft on farming and ranching operations throughout Texas and recommend cost-effective measures to mitigate loss and increase security. | |
| 9. | Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
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| Committee: | House Natural Resources | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Aquifers | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Flood control | Groundwater | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Springs | Surface water | Water Development Board, Texas | Water marketing | Water planning | Water supplies | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.86 N218h | |
| Session: | 86th R.S. (2019) | |
| Online version: | View report [76 pages File size: 2,823 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
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| 2. | Study the efforts of the TCEQ, the TWDB, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to incentivize, promote, and preserve regional projects to meet water supply needs and encourage public and private investment in water infrastructure. Identify impediments or threats to regionalization with special emphasis on: prioritization in planning and implementing the State Water Plan, Regional Water Plan, and other recommended water supply projects; barriers to private investment and the development of public-private partnerships to implement needed water supply projects, including the retail water and wastewater industry, to address the state's growth challenges; public water and wastewater systems that are unable to meet federal and state standards due to inadequate operational capacity and factors that prevent such systems from being integrated into larger systems and processes that more easily facilitate the sale, transfer, or merger of systems; and state agency authority to regulate regional water supply pricing. | |
| 3. | Monitor the joint planning process for groundwater and the achievement of the desired conditions for aquifers by groundwater conservation districts. | |
| 4. | Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration. | |
| 5. | Study emerging issues related to groundwater-surface water interactions and the ongoing challenges associated with the bifurcated regulatory regimes for each of these water sources. * | |
| 6. | Study the role of water markets in Texas. * | |
| Committee: | Senate Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Addicks Reservoir | Agriculture | Barker Reservoir | Dams and levees | Emergency communications | Emergency management | Environmental permits | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Flood control | Flooding | Groundwater | Groundwater conservation districts | Occupational licenses | Rain and rainfall | Reservoirs | River authorities | Texas State Water Plan | Water rights | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.85 Ag86r | |
| Session: | 85th R.S. (2017) | |
| Online version: | View report [36 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Study and make recommendations on how to move forward with water infrastructure projects in the State Water Plan that will help mitigate floods through flood control, diversion, and storage projects. Evaluate plans for a possible third reservoir in addition to Addicks and Barker to control and alleviate additional flooding in the region. Additionally, review the current status of reservoir projects in Texas. Examine opportunities for coordination between federal and state agencies to develop flood mitigation infrastructure, and the ongoing maintenance and restoration of critical dam infrastructure. | |
| 2. | Study and identify ways to improve the capacity and maintain the structure of the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. Report on mechanisms that would ensure the public has access to timely and transparent release figures from reservoirs across the state. | |
| 3. | Evaluate current state data-sharing standards for rainfall and stream gauges and whether regional flood management projects and flood warnings should be hosted in a centralized location, such as a state agency web page. Determine whether a statewide real-time flood warning system could be developed and coordinated through mobile devices, TxDOT electronic signage, communication devices and whether existing local and regional forecasting infrastructure could be integrated into a centralized inclement weather forecasting system. | |
| 4. | Streamlining Water Permitting: Study and recommend changes that promote streamlining of water right permit issuance and the amendment process by the TCEQ for surface water, and that promote uniform and streamline permitting by groundwater conservation districts for groundwater. Evaluate more transparent process needs and proper valuation of water. | |
| 5. | Regulatory Framework of Groundwater Conservation Districts and River Authorities: Study and make recommendations on the regulatory framework for managing groundwater in Texas to ensure that private property rights are being sufficiently protected. Study the role of river authorities and groundwater conservation districts including the state's oversight role of their operations and fees imposed. | |
| 6. | Agricultural Fees: Review licensing, permitting, or registration requirements and fees imposed on the agriculture industry by licensing agencies within the committee's jurisdiction. Make recommendations for state licenses and fees that should be reduced, repealed or transitioned to private-sector enforcement. | |
| 7. | Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs during the 85th R.S., including, but not limited to: • SB 1511 (prioritization in the regional water plan); • SB 1538 (Floodplain Management Account uses); • SB 864 (GCD application of state water); • HB 2004 (Texas economic development fund for TDA); and • HB 3433 (adoption of rules affecting rural communities. Make recommendations for any legislative improvements needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation including regional water planning, flood planning, and groundwater production.) | |
| Committee: | Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Aerospace industry | Air pollution | Air quality | Carbon dioxide | Clean Air Act | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Electric power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Ground level ozone | Oil fields | School districts | Spaceports | SpaceX | State administrative hearings | Tax incentives | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Theft | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.84 N219E | |
| Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
| Online version: | View report [155 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Implementation of Federal Regulations: Study the impact and identify challenges Texas faces implementing proposed federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations, including, but not limited to the Clean Power Plan, Reduction of Methane & Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from oil and gas facilities, Ozone standards, Regional Haze, and Waters of the U.S. Make recommendations for legislative or constitutional action the committee considers necessary. | |
| 2. | Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP): Study and make recommendations regarding the use of Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) funds, including reducing air emissions from mobile sources in response to changes in ozone standards. | |
| 3. | Economic Development: Evaluate the effectiveness and necessity of programs and resources currently used to support economic development in Texas. Make recommendations regarding continuation of effective strategies, modification of existing administrative or regulatory barriers, and the reduction or elimination of ineffective programs. | |
| 4. | Expedited Permitting: Evaluate the permitting process in Texas and neighboring states and make recommendations for eliminating unnecessary barriers and expediting the process to ensure that the regulatory process is consistent and predictable. | |
| 5. | ERCOT/PUC Electricity Issues: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. In this oversight and monitoring, the committee should: 1) identify and recommend opportunities to streamline programs or services and enhance grid safety while maintaining the mission of ERCOT and PUC and their programs; and 2) identify barriers ERCOT or PUC may have in their governance that may be appropriate to improve or eliminate. | |
| 6. | Oil Field Theft: Study and make recommendations for solving the oil field theft problems facing Texas, including identifying the proper mechanisms for increasing enforcement effectiveness. | |
| 7. | Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development during the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1)Legislation relating to Texas aerospace incentives; 2) Expedited permitting; and 3) Electric utility rate adjustments. | |
| Committee: | House Environmental Regulation | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Administrative Hearings, State Office of | Air pollution | Carbon dioxide | Coal-fired power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utilities | Electricity supplies | Environmental permits | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Manufacturing | State administrative hearings | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.83 en89 | |
| Session: | 83rd R.S. (2013) | |
| Online version: | View report [39 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Study the environmental permitting processes at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), specifically the contested-case hearing process at the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and the timelines associated with the process. Study the economic impact that the state's permitting processes have on Texas manufacturing sectors and how neighboring states' and the federal permitting processes and timelines compare to those in Texas. | |
| 2. | Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. | |
| 3. | Review the Environmental Protection Agency's newly proposed Clean Power Plan to determine the potential impact the proposed federal rule would have on Texas. Specifically, the Committee should examine how the proposed emissions reductions would impact the reliability of the state's electricity generation, the potential impact on the price of retail electricity and its affordability, and the potential impact on the economic development of the state. Additionally, the Committee should review the state's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards to determine if they are capable of contributing to meeting any proposed emissions reductions and determine what changes, if any, to these policies could help facilitate meeting the proposed emissions reductions. | |
| Supporting documents | ||
| Committee: | House Environmental Regulation | |
| Title: | Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 13, 2014 (Environmental permitting and contested case hearings) | |
| Library Call Number: | ||
| Session: | 83rd R.S. (2013) | |
| Online version: | View document [43 pages File size: 2,122 kb] | |
| Committee: | House State Affairs | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Anonymous campaign contributions | Campaign finance and expenditure reports | Campaign finance reform | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electricity supplies | Electricity transmission and distribution | Enhanced driver licenses | Environmental cleanup | Environmental compliance | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Government transparency | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Railroad Commission of Texas | Real ID Act | State government contracts | Undocumented immigrants | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.83 St29h | |
| Session: | 83rd R.S. (2013) | |
| Online version: | View report [56 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Study the methods state agencies use for planning for investment in future infrastructure. Specifically, review how agencies determine what investments in infrastructure will be necessary to meet the state's demands and facilitate continued economic expansion. Review how agencies determine the costs and benefits associated with future infrastructure investment to ensure that the citizens of the state are receiving the best value and what other factors agencies use to make investment decisions. | |
| 2. | Study Title 15 of the Election Code, which regulates political funds and campaigns, including requirements for financial reports by campaigns, candidates, officeholders, and political committees. Specifically, study what types of groups are exempt from reporting requirements in the Election Code and make recommendations on how to make the political process more transparent. | |
| 3. | Study the different financial assurance options used by state agencies to ensure compliance with environmental clean-up or remediation costs. Determine whether the methods utilized by state agencies are appropriate to ensure sufficient funds will be available when called upon. | |
| 4. | Review state agency contracting with businesses seeking to provide goods and services to the state. Study the procedures agencies use to determine the costs versus benefits when evaluating proposals. Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability and to promote ethical business practices. | |
| 5. | Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. | |
| Committee: | House Natural Resources | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Coal mining | Droughts | Electric power plants | Electricity supplies | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | General Land Office, Texas | Hydraulic fracturing | Irrigation | Natural gas production | Oil production | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | Uranium mines | Water conservation | Water desalination | Water Development Board, Texas | Water planning | Water rights | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.82 N218h | |
| Session: | 82nd R.S. (2011) | |
| Online version: | View report [184 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Monitor the ongoing statewide drought and the performance of state, regional, and local entities in addressing it. Examine the impact of the drought on the state water plan, including an evaluation of how well the state's existing water resources can meet demand, the need for additional funding sources to implement the plan, and the effectiveness of current drought planning and drought management policies. Identify short-term and long-term strategies to help the state better cope with drought and assess any obstacles, including state and federal regulations, to implementation of these strategies. | |
| 2. | Examine the interplay of water and energy resources and needs in the state. Study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of water use in energy production and exploration, including the impacts of this use on regional and state water planning. Determine the current and likely future water needs of power generation and energy production, and evaluate options to develop new or alternative supplies. Include an evaluation of current issues involving water use for oil and gas production and related water quality issues. | |
| 3. | Evaluate the status of desalination projects in Texas. Include an evaluation of the regulation of brackish groundwater and whether opportunities exist to facilitate better utilization of this groundwater to meet future needs. | |
| 4. | Study ways to enhance incentives for water conservation in agricultural irrigation. | |
| Committee: | House Environmental Regulation | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Library Catalog Title: | House Committee on Environmental Regulation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2010 : a report to the House of Representatives, 82nd Texas Legislature | |
| Subjects: | Air quality | Climate change | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Recycling | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.81 En89 | |
| Session: | 81st R.S. (2009) | |
| Online version: | View report [41 pages File size: 938 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Examine the regulation of air quality in the areas of permitting new and modified sources, public participation, and enforcement. Consider data and proposed federal standards and rules as they relate to the State Implementation Plan. | |
| 2. | Survey existing recycling programs and suggest needed improvements. | |
| 3. | Monitor federal legislative and regulatory initiatives as they pertain to climate change. Consider Texas' responses to proposals and make recommendations as to any further preparations. | |
| 4. | Study the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's use of supplemental environmental projects in its enforcement process. | |
| 5. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. | |
| Committee: | House Environmental Regulation | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Library Catalog Title: | House Committee on Environmental Regulation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature | |
| Subjects: | Air pollution control technology | Air quality | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Nonattainment areas | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Wastewater management | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.78 En89 | |
| Session: | 78th R.S. (2003) | |
| Online version: | View report [71 pages File size: 336 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Conduct a study on the regulation, design, planning, construction, installation, operation, licensing, maintenance and inspection of on-site sewage disposal systems. | |
| 2. | Examine compliance histories and incentives to reward compliance by entities regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. | |
| 3. | Monitor the implementation of HB 1365, 78th R.S., Texas Emission Reduction Plan, to ensure compliance with federal Clean Air Act standards and deadlines. | |
| 4. | Monitor the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction. | |
| Committee: | House Natural Resources | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Library Catalog Title: | House Committee on Natural Resources, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature | |
| Subjects: | Edwards Aquifer | Edwards Aquifer Authority | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Water marketing | Water planning | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.78 N218h | |
| Session: | 78th R.S. (2003) | |
| Online version: | View report [34 pages File size: 228 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Assess the current condition of the Edwards Aquifer and the Edwards Aquifer Authority, including the authority's ability to meet the current statutory requirements of it's enabling legislation, specifically it's ability to meet or alter pumping limits contained in the Edwards Aquifer Act. | |
| 2. | Examine the issues associated with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's authority to amend, impair, interpret or modify the terms of water contracts between willing parties, including the possible impacts this authority could have on the financing of public/private water projects. | |
| 3. | Evaluate the availability and cost effectiveness of using brackish groundwater and surface water as an alternative source of water supply, including assessing the regulatory restrictions or impediments that impact cost and what measure or regulatory changes are needed to facilitate use of this water source by political subdivisions. | |
| 4. | Monitor agencies and programs under committee's jurisdiction. | |
| Committee: | Senate Water Policy, Select | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Library Catalog Title: | The Senate Select Committee on Water Policy interim report to the 79th Legislature. | |
| Subjects: | Edwards Aquifer Authority | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Groundwater | Junior water rights | Rule of capture | Water conservation | Water desalination | Water marketing | Water planning | Water quality management | Water rights | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.78 W291p | |
| Session: | 78th R.S. (2003) | |
| Online version: | View report [166 pages File size: 5,373 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Study all issues related to ground and surface water law, policy and management, including, but not limited to: the role of federal, state, regional and local governments, and their coordination in setting consistent, nondiscriminatory water policies; the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as it relates to water contracts; the role of the Edwards Aquifer Authority; the role of groundwater conservation districts; regional water planning process; conjunctive use of both ground and surface water resources; rule of capture; historic use standards; water infrastructure and financing; interbasin transfers; junior water rights; conservation; water quality standards; drought preparedness; and water marketing. | |
| 2. | Monitor the three on-going demonstration desalination projects by the Texas Water Development Board as one step toward securing an abundant water supply to meet Texas' future water supply needs. Study regulatory barriers that impair cost effectiveness of desalination (coastal and brackish) and how to facilitate use of this water source by municipalities. | |
* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.
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