Subject search results

37 Document(s) [ Subject: Alternative%20energy ]

Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Carbon capture and sequestration | Energy storage | Natural gas drilling | Natural gas service | Natural gas supplies | Natural gas utilities | Natural gas utility rates and charges | Oil production | Power outages | Railroad Commission of Texas | Weatherization | Winter Storm Uri |
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [28 pages  File size: 995 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 87th 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 1520, 87th R.S.relating to extraordinary costs incurred by gas utilities relating to Winter Storm Uri and the authority to issue bonds and impose fees and assessments; HB 3648, 87th R.S. which requires the designation of certain natural gas facilities as critical customers or critical gas suppliers during energy emergencies; and SB 3, 87th R.S. relating to preparing for, preventing, and responding to weather emergencies and power outages. (Joint charge with Committee on State Affairs)
2.	Assess efforts made by the Railroad Commission and the Texas Energy Reliability Council to weatherize infrastructure and ensure reliability of the natural gas delivery system during times of disaster.
3.	Examine ways to increase the production of oil and gas within the state. Review state and local regulations that could directly impact the exploration or production of oil and gas and make recommendations for increasing Texas' energy independence.
4.	Explore options for expanding the state's underground natural gas storage capacity, including using excess storage capacity for carbon capture opportunities and the creation of a strategic natural gas reserve for the state.
5.	Evaluate innovative and emerging energy sources. Identify and make recommendations to address legislative or regulatory obstacles to the use, development, and deployment of viable innovative and emerging energy sources.
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Broadband infrastructure | Building codes | Consumer credit and debt | Consumer Credit Commissioner, Office of | Credit service organizations | Droughts | Electric meters | Electric power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utilities | Electric utility deregulation | Electricity supplies | Electricity transmission and distribution | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Homeowners insurance | Insurance, Texas Department of | Job training programs | Lifeline | Municipally-owned utilities | Occupational licenses | Rural areas | Subprime lending | Telecommunications | Telecommunications deregulation | Texas Windstorm Insurance Association | Universal Service Fund | Water and wastewater utility rates and charges | Workforce |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 B963
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [222 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the impact of drought, regulatory changes proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, and changing market conditions on Texas' electrical market. Make recommendations, if needed to ensure continued access to reliable and affordable electricity. *
2.	Assess the impact of extreme drought conditions on electric generation capacity.
3.	Identify those regions of Texas that will be most affected by a lack of capacity.
4.	Analyze response plans and make recommendations to improve and expedite those plans.
5.	Study and make recommendations for workforce training programs in Texas to ensure that such programs meet business and worker needs. Specifically, study whether such programs target economic growth areas and future workforce needs of the health care, skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and information technology industries and help retain workers in those trades and fields.
6.	Study the state's approach to licensing and regulation of occupations to ensure protection of public welfare, trust, health, and safety and eliminate unnecessary, overly restrictive, or anti-competitive regulation. Review guidelines and other states' approaches for determining when regulation is necessary and make recommendations for improving Texas' regulatory system.
7.	Conduct a broad review of the Texas homeowners insurance market and make recommendations to improve transparency and consumer education, ensure fair practices, and lower rates. Specifically, consider the following: Compare Texas' homeowners insurance premiums with those of other states and identify the factors underlying Texas' premium levels and recommend steps that the Legislature may take to reduce homeowners' rates, if appropriate; Study strategies that increase awareness of state insurance resources to help consumers compare rates and coverage among various insurance providers Study the relationship between insurance premiums and construction costs, especially as associated with recovery from natural disasters, to ensure that consumers are treated fairly; Review the use by insurers, in rating and underwriting decisions, of customer inquiries regarding the general terms or conditions of, or coverage offered under, an insurance policy.
8.	Study the relationship between city governments and municipally-owned utilities, including any duplicative or redundant functions, the amounts and justifications required for transfer payments between the entities, and the benefits and disadvantages of alternative governance structures.
9.	Analyze the state of the telecommunications market in Texas, including the costs and benefits of full deregulation of the market; the impact and viability of the Texas Universal Service Fund and Provider of Last Resort requirements; the impact of SB 980, Regular Session, 82nd Legislature, relating to telecommunications regulation and rulemaking; the availability of broadband; telecommunications service discounts; and rights-­of-way charges. Make recommendations to enhance services, support the industry, and ensure adequate and affordable access for consumers.
10.	Review current and pending ERCOT protocols as they apply to all generation technology, and identify those protocols that may provide operational, administrative, or competitive advantages to any specific generation by fuel type. Consider the impact any revisions to the protocols may have on grid reliability and electricity rates. Make recommendations for revisions or statutory changes to limit distortions in the Texas electrical market.
11.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, review the implementation of HB 2592 and HB 2594 relating to payday lending, and make recommendations relating to consistency and coordination with local ordinances and federal law.
12.	Study whether advanced meters, or smart meters, that have been, and will be, installed in Texas have harmful effects on health. Report findings on whether an independent testing company perform an analysis on the safety of advanced meters should be commissioned and the appropriate organization to conduct such a study.
Committee:	Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 82nd Legislature / Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Subjects:	Agriculture | Alternative energy | Diet and nutrition | Food safety | Hazardous substances | School lunches | Swine |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 AG86r
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [48 pages  File size: 7,714 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations on new and innovative ways to increase investment, employment and production in Texas agriculture.
2.	Study current federal, state and local safeguards to protect our food supply. Identify gaps that may exist in Texas statute, agency roles, and authority for ensuring a safe food supply for Texas, including imported fruits and vegetables. Examine the impact of revised federal regulations on the State, and the potential impact of pending federal legislation. Examine the existing capabilities of the public health system on the border to accomplish public health surveillance of food.
3.	Study impact of windblown herbicides on grape growing and other agricultural production. Make recommendations for improving the safety and quality of Texas agricultural products.
4.	Study and make recommendations on the impact of feral hogs and other predators that hamper development of Texas agriculture.
5.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs, 81st R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, consider the following: Monitor the establishment of the Texas Bioenergy Policy Council and the Texas Bioenergy Research Committee. Monitor the Texas Department of Agriculture's efforts to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids in foods provided by Texas schools.
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 82nd Legislature
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Career preparedness | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utilities | Electric utility rates and charges | Electricity transmission and distribution | Energy conservation | Homeowners insurance | Job training programs | Liens | Mortgages | Municipally-owned utilities | Natural disasters | Texas Windstorm Insurance Association | Unemployment benefits | Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund | Wind energy | Workforce |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 B963
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [84 pages  File size: 2,897 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the implementation of H.B. 4409 enacted by the 81st Legislature pertaining to the financing of insured losses in excess of premium and other revenue of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Assess the coverage and affordability of TWIA policies. Review the claims and payments processes and make recommendations to improve the stability of TWIA while enhancing services to clients.
2.	Study options for reducing demand for electricity, including innovative pricing options relating to the use of smart meters, programmable thermostats, and other demand side management and behavioral response strategies. Review current consumer education programs to reduce demand, decrease energy prices, and improve air quality. Consider benefits and costs of alternative energy sources such as geothermal and solar, and current incentives for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The study should include recommendations on improving consumer knowledge and usage of these strategies in lowering overall electric usage, promoting energy efficiency, and improving the reliability of the ERCOT grid.
3.	Study and make recommendations relating to the development and implementation of wind energy. Assess the total impact of wind energy, including additional costs to consumers, if any, buy-back provisions and pricing, the need for alternative energy sources at times when wind does not generate electricity, impact on the ERCOT grid, development of battery storage and other storage methods, and economic development impacts.
4.	Study the generation costs of municipally owned electric utilities' planned generation portfolios. Consider the impact of planned generation costs on electric rates for residential and commercial customers. Solicit input on the impact of future electric rates on charitable and non-profit organizations, and the impact on such organizations' cash assistance programs to indigent customers. Consider the merits of a justifiable planned generation cost standard, and whether a deviation above the standard should be subject to approval by a vote of all customers of a municipally owned utility's service area.
5.	Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Unemployment Compensation Insurance system, including, but not limited to, the following: The capacity and efficiency of the claims filing and benefits delivery system as well as the ability of the agency to meet the needs of the clients it serves given the transition to call centers and web based filing; The current financing scheme for the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, and any options to improve the long term financial health and stability of the Fund; The use of debit cards for delivery of UI benefits, including ways to limit user fees to access payments; and Improving public access to local and statewide data on current and historical UI claims.
6.	Study and make recommendations regarding career-focused education and workforce training programs in Texas to insure that such programs meet business and worker needs. Specifically, study whether such programs: meet the current and future workforce needs of health care, skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, aerospace, information technology and green jobs; help retain workers in such trades and fields; retrain and update the skills and education of workers in such trades and fields; and foster and encourage collaboration between the State, education, labor and business to provide education and training.
7.	Study the effectiveness of Chapter 557 of the Insurance Code, relating to insured property subject to a security interest, in setting forth the obligations of a lender and a residential real property insured resulting from an insurer's payment of a claim for damage to the residential real property caused by a natural disaster. Consider the legislation's requirements for release of the insurance proceeds, lienholder's approval of payment of the insurance proceeds, accrual and payment of interest on such proceeds and penalties provided by the statute. Make recommendations for any needed refinements of the legislation.
8.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
Committee:	House State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on State Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2010
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Climate change | Electric power plants | Electricity supplies | Electricity transmission and distribution | Energy conservation | State buildings | Undocumented immigrants | Water conservation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 St29h
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [74 pages  File size: 1,777 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review state compliance with federal law regarding undocumented immigrants. Evaluate the costs of services and benefits provided to undocumented immigrants by state agencies and local governments.
2.	Examine state policy on "green" technologies for all state buildings and costs associated with such implementation.
3.	Monitor federal legislation and regulatory initiatives pertaining to climate change and its effects on utilities and consumers. Consider Texas' response to proposals and make recommendations as to any further preparations.
4.	Examine the state's portfolio of electric generation resources, including traditional sources, emerging renewable technologies, and energy efficiency. Determine whether the existing state regulatory programs and incentives are adequate to meet the energy needs of the future. Consider factors relating to reliability, requirements for additional transmission, or auxiliary services. Joint Interim Charge with House Committee on Energy Resources
5.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	House Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Climate change | Electric power plants | Electricity supplies | House Select Committee on Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 EL26e
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [91 pages  File size: 2,595 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the state's demand for electric generation capacity for the next 50 years and the infrastructure and technology available for meeting that demand.
2.	Study the environmental effects of existing electric generating facilities, including the effects on global warming or climate change.
3.	Prepare a long-term electric energy and environmental impact plan for the 81st Legislature that includes: (A) an estimate of the demand for electric generation capacity by this state for each of the next 50 years; (B) an inventory of all existing electric generating facilities operating in this state; (C) an assessment of the types of, and amount of electric generation capacity from, electric generation technology available to be used to meet the demand for generation capacity, including: (i) coal; (ii) renewable energy; (iii) liquefied natural gas; (iv) nuclear energy; (v) integrated gasification combined cycle technology; and (vi) hydrogen gas; (D) an assessment of the environmental effects of existing and potential electric generating facilities and energy generation technology, including the effects on: (i) the emission of pollutants regulated by the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7412); (ii) the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases; (iii) the cumulative effect on air quality in nonattainment areas; (iv) whether an increase in emissions would cause an area to become a nonattainment area; and (v) global warming or climate change; (E) an assessment of the reliability of existing electric generating facilities to meet the demand for electric generation capacity; (F) an estimate of the costs associated with meeting the demand for electric generation capacity; and (G) recommendations for reducing demand through the use of energy efficiency programs.
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Energy Resources, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2008 : a report to the House of Representatives, 81st Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Abandoned oil wells | Abandoned property | Alternative energy | Biofuels | Carbon capture and sequestration | Carbon dioxide | Electricity transmission and distribution | Groundwater pollution | Natural gas | Natural gas drilling | Natural gas leases | Oil drilling | Oil leases | Railroad Commission of Texas | Texas Economic Development Act | Water quality management |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 En27
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [45 pages  File size: 172 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine issues related to electrical lines and abandoned equipment on oil and gas leases.
2.	Examine whether the Railroad Commission of Texas should regulate carbon capture.
3.	Discuss further the issue of financial assurance in relation to oil and gas wells, and evaluate the current bonding structure.
4.	Discuss alternative energy sources and how best to incorporate them into our traditional energy sector. Also study the potential benefits of biofuels in Texas, including Texas feedstocks best suited for biofuel production and synergies between that industry and traditional energy sectors. Develop recommendations for facilitating the growth of the biofuel industry in a manner that best positions Texas in the national market.
5.	Research ways to maintain ground water quality in relation to oil and gas exploration through economic incentives for innovative technology solutions.
6.	Study the use of the Texas Economic Development Act since its enactment as HB 1200, 77th R.S.. Determine how the act may be enhanced to better attract significant capital investments by science and technology industries developing alternative energy sources. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Economic Development.)
7.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	House Agriculture and Livestock
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2006 : a report to the House of Representatives, 80th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Biofuels | Forest Service, Texas A&M | Horses | Soil and Water Conservation Board, Texas | Veterinarians | Veterinary Medical Examiners, Texas State Board of | Water conservation | Water Development Board, Texas | Wildfires |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 Ag86
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [36 pages  File size: 6,015 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Explore the need for both the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program and the Program for Assessment of Veterinary Medical Education (PAVE) for certification of students who graduate from foreign veterinary colleges.
2.	Assess the need for new rules and regulations to govern non-veterinary practitioners of animal care, specifically equine dentistry, as well as the potential need for veterinary supervision of certain practices.
3.	Research and determine the potential contributions of Texas agriculture to energy supply, including examination of the role of ethanol, biodiesel, and biomass.
4.	Determine if a new comprehensive water conservation program is needed within the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board focusing on water conservation and water supply enhancement. (Joint interim charge with the House Committee on Natural Resources.)
5.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	Senate Natural Resources
Title:	Interim Report - Oil, Gas and Alternative Fuel Issues
Library Catalog Title:	The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 80th Legislature : oil, gas, and alternative fuel issues
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Biofuels | Groundwater | Liquefied natural gas | Mineral rights | Natural gas | Natural gas drilling | Natural gas industry | Oil drilling | Property rights | Water contamination | Water rights | Water wells |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 N219o
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [167 pages  File size: 21,935 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Identify areas of the state where surface or groundwater was contaminated by petroleum operations. Determine the appropriate regulatory and technical requirements to remediate the contamination and prevent future contamination, and recommend appropriate agency jurisdiction for preventing, responding and remediating such incidents.
2.	Study the increasing use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane. Examine the way those products fit into a diverse fuel mix. Review the current status of LNG terminals on the Texas coast. Study mineral owners and surface owners rights and obligations for the manner in which they enter and use property. Make recommendations on ways in which surface and mineral owners could communicate more effectively. Monitor the Railroad Commission study of competition in the Texas natural gas pipeline industry.
3.	Study and make recommendations relating to investment needs and economic barriers to developing bio-diesel, bio-fuels, ethanol, and other renewable products in Texas. Compare agriculturally-developed renewable fuel initiatives in other states.
4.	Study the permitting exemptions and water well regulations in Sec. 36.117, Water Code. Review the jurisdiction over the regulation of groundwater pumping in conjunction with drilling and production of oil and gas.
5.	Review mineral owners and surface owners rights and obligations for the manner in which they enter and use property. Make recommendations on ways in which surface and mineral owners could communicate more effectively.
Committee:	House Regulated Industries
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Regulated Industries, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2006 : a report to the House of Representatives, 80th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Cable telecommunications providers | Coal-fired power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utility deregulation | Energy policy | Nuclear power plants | Providers of last resort | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Rights of way | Telecommunications deregulation | Underground utility lines |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 R265
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [29 pages  File size: 7,157 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Gather and review information on the generation capacity and fuel diversity of the Texas electric market. Recommend changes to Texas law that would encourage new investment and technological innovation in emerging energy fields, such as clean coal and next generation nuclear technologies.
2.	Examine the effects of retail competition on the Texas electric market including provider of last resort options for residential customers. Recommend changes to Texas law, including incentives for market participants and residential customers.
3.	Monitor the implementation of the state-issued cable and video franchise system. Recommend updates that would further encourage competition and economic investment in the Texas broadband cable and video market.
4.	Research and report on the transition to competition of incumbent telecommunications providers in Texas, and examine the effects of deregulation on local level competition, pricing and service offerings. Recommend changes to Texas law that would support further deregulation of the Texas telecommunications market.
5.	Study the current repayment mechanism to the county or municipality for utility relocations in the public rights-of-way. Report on the number of relocations statewide each year, total estimated costs for relocations, associated impacts with relocations, and possible alternative systems for funding utility relocations and associated impacts.
6.	Review current industry mechanisms used to provide compensation to municipalities for use of the public rights-of-way, specifically whether all inter-modal communications providers receive equal treatment under the current system, and whether all providers of communications services pay for use of the public rights-of-way. Recommend possible alternative compensation systems.
7.	Examine the feasibility of additional nuclear generated power in Texas, focusing on supply and demand issues, current state nuclear projects, and possible federal government assistance. (Joint interim charge with energy resources)
8.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
9.	Examine issues related to the creation and purchase of out-of-state renewable energy credits by non-ERCOT Texas utilities and determine possible alternatives for establishing a regional approach that does not allow the double-counting of renewable energy credits for non-ERCOT utilities to meet their renewable goals.
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report - Electric Utility Restructuring and Renewables
Library Catalog Title:	Electric utility restructuring and renewables : interim report to the 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utility deregulation | Wind energy |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 B963er
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [42 pages  File size: 1,132 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations on improving the on-going implementation of SB7, 76th R.S., with particular emphasis on evaluation of the following: "price to beat," and the implementation of claw-back provisions for residential and small commercial customers, including on-going requests to adjust fuel factors; adequacy and effectiveness of Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and its management structure; cost-effectiveness and fairness of congestion management mechanisms; delivery of power in areas outside of the ERCOT network; stability of the System Benefit Fund; and final calculation of stranded costs under the "true-up" provisions.
2.	Study and make recommendations relating to improving the potential for further renewable energy development in Texas and the effectiveness of current policies encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. This study should focus on the State's capacity for wind generation, current efforts by the General Land Office to commercialize wind generation on state lands, and solutions to the constraints on utilizing wind potential to its fullest. Include an analysis of state and federal mandates, federal tax credits, wind potential, transmission constraints, economics of electricity production and delivery, and environmental considerations.
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Energy Resources, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Fuel cells | Natural gas | Natural gas industry | Oil industry |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 En27
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [10 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Assess the development of new exploration activities and maintenance of current production of natural gas. Evaluate opportunities to expand infrastructure for liquified natural gas (LNG) in Texas and explore the feasibility of LNG imports into Texas.
2.	Examine the benefits and challenges associated with alternative forms of energy generation technologies, such as wind and hydrogen fuel cells, and what if any state government involvement should be considered. (Joint interim charge with Regulated Industries Committee)
3.	Evaluate current bonding requirements for oil and gas operators and explore alternative methods of financial security that would balance the economic interests of small oil and gas producers with environmental concerns.
4.	Monitor the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	House Regulated Industries
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the Texas House of Representatives, 79th Legislature
Subjects:	Air pollution control technology | Alternative energy | Broadband infrastructure | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utility deregulation | Fuel cells | Rights of way | State government reorganization | Telecommunications infrastructure | Wind energy |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 R265
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [64 pages  File size: 533 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Gather and review information on the overall status of the telecommunications market in Texas, including the effects of inter-modal competition and emerging technologies. Recommend changes to Texas law to encourage new investment and technological innovation consistent with market-oriented public policies and the interests of Texas families and businesses. Gather and review information on the Federal Communications Commission Triennial Review and recommend adjustments to Texas law.
2.	Study broadband service deployment, including other state's models used to transition to a fully competitive communications marketplace and any new technologies of competitive providers.
3.	Study the process of economic dispatch and determine possible methods to improve the competitive electric utilities market and reduce costs and pollution caused by inefficient power plants.
4.	Examine issues related to access to rights-of-way and easements to ensure state laws encourage non-discriminatory access for all broadband service providers regardless of technology used to offer the service or the regulatory status of the provider.
5.	Examine the reliability of electric utility service and review authority and structure of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
6.	Study the size and scope of the various broadband infrastructure platforms (e.g. cable, satellite, fixed wireless, DSL) in the state and how each are regulated under both state and federal law.
7.	Determine how investment in broadband networks by both competitive local exchange carriers and incumbent local exchange providers can be encouraged through public policy changes.
8.	Examine the benefits and challenges associated with alternative forms of energy generation technologies, such as wind and hydrogen fuel cells, and what if any state government involvement should be considered. (Joint interim charge with Energy Resources Committee)
9.	Monitor agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction, including identifying possible ways to merge or streamline agency functions to produce long-term financial benefit to the state and better efficiency of the agencies.
Committee:	Senate Natural Resources
Title:	Interim Report - Alternative Fuels
Library Catalog Title:	The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 78th Legislature : opportunities for alternative fuels and fuel additives : technologies for converting waste into fuel.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Biofuels | Gasoline additives | Recycling | Solid waste disposal |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 n219f
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [56 pages  File size: 296 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study and make recommendations on the research and use of alternative fuels and fuel additives in Texas. The Committee shall assess the cost-benefit of innovative technology in converting solid and agricultural waste into fuel and fuel additives.
Committee:	Joint Electric Utility Restructuring, Legislative Oversight
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 77th Legislature / Electric Utility Restructuring Legislative Oversight Committee.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utility deregulation | Electric utility stranded costs and refunds | Providers of last resort | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Renewable energy |
Library Call Number:	L1836.76 el25
Session:	76th R.S. (1999)
Online version:	View report [130 pages  File size: 1,121 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	The Joint Committee on Oversight of Electric Utility Restructuring was created by SB 7, 76th R.S.. The committee is charged with overseeing the implementation of SB 7, 76th Legislature, the electric utility restructuring bill, and monitoring its effectiveness. Under SB 7, 76th Legislature, the electric utility market will be opened to competition by January 2002. The joint committee includes five members of the Texas Senate, appointed by the lieutenant governor, and five members of the Texas House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker. The committee is chaired by Sen. David Sibley and Rep. Steve Wolens, authors of SB 7, 76th Legislature.
Committee:	Senate Natural Resources
Title:	Oil & gas production
Library Catalog Title:	The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources interim report to the 77th Legislature : future of the Texas oil and natural gas production industry.
Subjects:	Abandoned oil wells | Alternative energy | Natural gas | Natural gas industry | Oil industry | Oil production | Severance taxes |
Library Call Number:	L1836.76 n219p
Session:	76th R.S. (1999)
Online version:	View report [53 pages  File size: 244 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Evaluate the future of the Texas oil and natural gas production industry. The Committee shall identify existing impediments to exploration and production, and examine whether incentives should be offered to help Texas producers capitalize on the expected increase in natural gas demand in coming years. The Committee shall also analyze the effectiveness of the well plugging and remediation program of the Texas Railroad Commission.
Committee:	Senate Electric Utility Restructuring, Interim
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 76th Legislature.
Subjects:	Air quality | Alternative energy | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utility deregulation | Electric utility rates and charges | Electric utility stranded costs and refunds | Electricity transmission and distribution | Environmental protection | Providers of last resort | Public Utility Regulatory Act | Renewable energy | Wind energy |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 el25
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [213 pages  File size: 8,279 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and determine any needed changes in the Public Utility Regulatory Act and related statutes to create a competitive Texas electric market that is open to all classes of retail customers. Such review shall include but not be limited to the following issues:
2.	An appropriate date for opening the market to direct end-use customer access, and whether a phase-in program for public schools or other governmental units is warranted
3.	Methods for quantification of a utility's investments that would be uneconomic in a fully competitive market (stranded costs) and appropriate methods for recovery of costs (including rate freezes, adjustments to depreciation, transition charges, securitization);
4.	Balancing rate reductions with recovery of stranded costs during the transition to a competitive market;
5.	The basic structural requirements for the competitive market to serve as an effective and efficient replacement for traditional regulation;
6.	Provisions for municipal and cooperative utilities recognizing the importance of maintaining local control of community-owned systems and protecting the financial integrity of cooperative and municipal utilities;
7.	Safeguards necessary for customer protection in a fully competitive marketplace (including designation of a provider of last resort, protections for low-income customers, obligations to be imposed on all providers, ability of providers to serve customers on an aggregated basis, and fair marketing and sales practices);
8.	System reliability and service quality standards needed to ensure safe and reliable power and the role of the independent system operator in a fully competitive market;
9.	Environmental issues relating to a competitive marketplace;
10.	Development of renewable energy resources such as windpower in a competitive marketplace; and
11.	Scope and nature of the continuing role of regulation in a deregulated electric power industry including oversight of market power.
12.	Make recommendations for legislative and regulatory action, if necessary.
Supporting documents
Committee:	Senate Electric Utility Restructuring, Interim
Title:	Interim report - Market-based methods
Library Catalog Title:	Market-based methods of providing revewable energy and energy efficiencey programs: report to the Texas Senate Interim Committee on Electric Utility Restructuring.
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 el25ma
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View document [88 pages  File size: 509 kb]
Committee:	Senate Electric Utility Restructuring, Interim
Title:	Interim report - PUC comments
Library Catalog Title:	Public Utility Commission of Texas project no. 14789 : comments on low income and environmental program funding workshop for the requested studies by the Senate Interim Committee on Electric Utility Restructuring.
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 el25c
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Committee:	Senate Electric Utility Restructuring, Interim
Title:	Interim report - Revenues
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the Texas Senate Interim Committee on Electric Utility Restructuring: revenues supporting low-income, energy efficiency, and environmental programs.
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 el25r
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View document [63 pages  File size: 2,668 kb]
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Energy Resources, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Natural gas industry | Oil industry | Railroad Commission of Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 en27
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [16 pages  File size: 413 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine the potential for the development and use of geothermal energy in Texas.
2.	Review Texas' trends in production of oil, natural gas, coal, and lignite. Evaluate the effects of such trends on Texas' status as an importer and exporter of energy; Texas' role in the world energy economy; state revenues derived from energy production, transport, sale and use; the state economy generally.
3.	Conduct active oversight of the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	House State Affairs
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on State Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1998 : a report to the House of Representatives, 76th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Automobiles | Biotechnology industry | Business taxes | Campaign contributors | Campaign finance reform | Campaign funds | Cloning | Councils of government | Electric utility deregulation | Ethics | Genetic research and testing | Long distance telephone service | Privacy | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Public Utility Regulatory Act | Soft money | State agencies | State taxes | Telephone deregulation | Telephone service |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 st29h
Session:	75th R.S. (1997)
Online version:	View report [119 pages  File size: 6,856 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine and evaluate the role of financial contributions in campaigns for election to state offices. Identify practices or trends that may be detrimental to the public good and study ways to eliminate or reverse those trends. (Joint with the House Committee on Elections)
2.	Study the threats to personal privacy due to technological advances in the capacity to store data and the increasing use of electronic transaction in government, business, and everyday life. Examine the uses made of such information by governments and commercial enterprises, and the potential for abuse. Assess legislative options.
3.	Review conditions in the telecommunications industry. Examine changes that have occurred since the passage of HB 2128, 74th R.S., and compare current conditions to expectations at the time of passage. Assess the need for revisions to keep the transition to competition on track.
4.	Inventory the kinds of public-private arrangements that currently exist in Texas government, and examine any new ethical or accountability issues that arise when the state relies on private entities in non-traditional ways.
5.	Study the legal, social, and economic issues likely to arise because of developments in the fields of genetics and bioethics. Such issues may include those related to altered foodstuffs, cloning, reproduction, eugenics, and genetic testing.
6.	Examine whether Regional Planning Commissions (COG's) have fulfilled the purposes for which they were established originally, and whether their functions or enabling legislation requires change.
7.	Examine the feasibility of combining agency automobile fleets into a pooled fleet that could be centrally administered to obtain efficiencies of operation.
8.	Assess the state and local tax impacts of possible changes in the structure of the electric power industry.
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Energy Resources Committee, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1996 : a report to the House of Represenatives, 75th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Air pollution | Alternative energy | Energy conservation | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Natural gas industry | Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas | Oil industry | Oil production | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Railroad Commission of Texas | Severance taxes | Tax incentives |
Library Call Number:	L1836.75 en27
Session:	74th R.S. (1995)
Online version:	View report [23 pages  File size: 858 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
2.	Study ways to increase energy production in Texas.
3.	Study the issue of "environmental externalities" when granting permits.
4.	Study the effectiveness of severance tax incentives to promote oil and gas production activities.
Committee:	Senate Natural Resources
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 70th Legislature / Senate Committee on Natural Resources.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Colonias | Drinking water | Gambling | Groundwater | Hazardous waste | Horse racing | Houston, Texas | Natural gas | Natural gas industry | Oil industry | Solid waste disposal | Texas Panhandle | Wastewater management | Water supplies |
Library Call Number:	L1836.69 n219s
Session:	69th R.S. (1985)
Online version:	View report [152 pages  File size: 4,482 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the problems associated with inadequate water and wastewater systems in colonias. Examine some of the resources and funds outside the Water Development Board that could be used to improve water and sewer service in the colonias. *
2.	Study issues associated with water supplies in Houston, including groundwater availability, subsistence, flooding, urban runoff and non-point source water pollution. *
3.	Study groundwater use, quality and protection in the El Paso area. *
4.	Review alternatives to landfills and injection wells for the disposal of hazardous wastes. Consider methods to treat or destroy hazardous wastes, as well as efforts to reduce waste production.
5.	Review the history of horse racing in Texas; consider the possible economic and social costs and benefits of pari-mutuel betting on horse races. Study the predicted effects of legalizing pari-mutuel betting the Texas farm economy. *
6.	Review development of alternative energy sources and renewable energy sources; consider methods to encourage the development of renewable energy sources in Texas.
7.	Hold public hearings on issues related to the production of white oil (chilled, condensed natural gas) in the Texas Panhandle. Consider the effects of the Railroad Commission's ruling on white oil on the oil and gas industry and the economy of the Texas Panhandle. Review federal court actions related to the dispute.
Committee:	House Agriculture and Livestock
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim study report of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, Texas House of Representatives, 66th Legislature.
Subjects:	Agricultural labor | Agriculture | Agriculture, U.S. Department of | Alternative energy | Animal Health Commission, Texas | Aquaculture | Biofuels | Brucellosis | Cotton production | Forestry | Grain elevators and warehouses | Livestock | Migrant labor | Railroads | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.66 ag83
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View report [90 pages  File size: 3,324 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study grain marketing practices, to determine if Texas producers can improve their positions in the marketplace.
2.	Study the procedures used in forward contracting and the commodities futures market to determine the need for bonding provisions.
3.	Review all import and export laws relating to livestock and agricultural produce and determine the need, if any, for closer scrutiny of the importation of certain commodities.
4.	Study cotton warehousing in Texas with specific attention to alleged delays in service by the industry, the status of domestic and foreign markets, and the adequacy of current laws as it deals with cotton warehousing.
5.	Study the current status of laws relating to agricultural labor relations, including the issue of illegal alien labor, and recommend needed changes.
6.	Determine if state efforts are needed to preserve forest land, to promote conservation of both soil and forest crops, and to improve timber production.
7.	Review all available information concerning nonresident alien ownership of agricultural land with consideration to establishing a register of alien property owners in Texas. A determination of the effects of alien ownership on the local and state economy should also be made.
8.	Investigate the discontinuation of service by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific rail lines in the Texas Panhandle; to study the economic impact of the loss of rail transportation on industry of the area and the state; and to determine if any actions can be taken to insure the continued transportation of agricultural commodities to market by rail.
9.	Continue the cataloging of information on mariculture and determine the economic impact of mariculture on the state.
10.	Study all available energy resources usable for agricultural production, particularly the development of gasohol, wind, solar, and biomass conversion. Monitor and disseminate information on gasohol plants in operation today, and study alternatives to market by-products of gasohol plants.
11.	Monitor the activities and assist the Animal Health Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture in matters pertaining to the Texas Brucellosis Program. Review all laws pertaining to livestock and enforced by the Animal Health Commission; codify these laws to delete unnecessary provisions.
Committee:	Senate Gasohol, Special
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Special Committee on Gasohol, Senate Resolution 565 : final report to the Lieutenant Governor and the sixty-seventh Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Biofuels |
Library Call Number:	L1836.66 g21
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View report [22 pages  File size: 769 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study gasohol as an alternative fuel source and examine issues regarding its production in Texas.
Supporting documents
Committee:	Senate Gasohol, Special
Title:	SR 565
Library Call Number:	SR 565
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View document [3 pages  File size: 1,121 kb]
Committee:	Senate Natural Resources
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 67th Legislature / Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Subjects:	Agriculture | Alternative energy | Automobiles | Electric utility rates and charges | Energy conservation | Energy policy | Fuel conservation | Hazardous waste | Natural disasters | Natural gas utility rates and charges | Ports | Radioactive waste | Ships and shipping | Solid waste disposal | Wind energy |
Library Call Number:	L1836.66 n219s
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View report [262 pages  File size: 9,858 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study hazardous waste and toxic waste disposal in Texas; access the risk that existing toxic waste sites pose; review current waste disposal and waste management laws, and make recommendations. *
2.	Study all aspects of the regulation of the disposal of uranium mill tailings; the problem of the disposal of low-level radioactive waste and problems concerning the disposal of toxic industrial waste.
3.	Study the hazards affecting the Texas coastal areas and the Gulf of Mexico, including hazards such as hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, subsidence, erosion and ground faults. *
4.	Investigate ways to reduce the risk of maritime accidents, and better manage shipping in or near Texas ports. *
5.	Investigate ways in which the state can encourage energy conservation and energy efficient construction practices. *
6.	Study the obstacles to developing solar energy and wind energy resources, and suggest possible legal or regulatory changes which would promote the use of solar and wind energy sources.
7.	Review the methods used for rate design, and the impact of rate structure on energy production and energy use.
8.	Suggest ways that the state could reduce use of gasoline and other fuel for transportation. *
9.	Investigate future demands of agriculture, and suggest legislative alternatives to encourage the growth of agricultural production. *
10.	Analyze Texas laws' impact on small-scale hydroelectric development and recommend possible legislative action. *
Supporting documents
Committee:	Senate Natural Resources
Title:	Bills Referred to Committee
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1803.9 N219 66
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View document [25 pages]
Committee:	House Agriculture and Livestock
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, Texas House of Representatives, 65th Legislature.
Subjects:	Agriculture | Alternative energy | Aquaculture | Eminent domain | Energy policy | Grain elevators and warehouses | International trade | Livestock | Property rights |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 ag83
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [65 pages  File size: 2,161 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	A study of the systems and techniques used by grain storage elevators with particular emphasis on safety techniques currently proposed or in operation to prevent explosions and related disasters.
2.	Review the procedures involved in the importation and exportation of livestock. *
3.	A study of the power of eminent domain as it relates to land use for agricultural purposes.
4.	A study and evaluation of alternate sources of energy for agricultural use and production.
5.	A comprehensive evaluation of the current and projected problem areas encountered in developing both a healthy economic climate conducive to commercial mariculture and a viable market for the products of such ventures. The scope of the study shall include, but not be limited to, the problems of issuance of permits, taxation, economics of operations, market development, and the underutilization of current resources.
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim Report - Volume 1
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, sixty-sixth legislative session / the Committee on Energy Resources, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects:	Agriculture | Alternative energy | Imports | Irrigation | Ports | Radioactive waste | Solid waste disposal |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 en75 1
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [171 pages  File size: 6,726 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	A study of the siting, construction and operation of nuclear waste storage facilities in the State of Texas.
2.	A study of the costs and methods of utilization of energy which is used for agricultural irrigation in the High Plains area.
3.	A study of the construction, siting, financing, licensing, regulation and operation of deepwater port facilities for off-loading imported petroleum off the Texas coast.
4.	The compilation of a catalog of research, development and demonstration projects currently being conducted in the State of Texas on the utilization of solar and geothermal energy resources.
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim Report - Volume 2
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, sixty-sixth legislative session / the Committee on Energy Resources, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects:	Agriculture | Alternative energy | Imports | Irrigation | Ports | Radioactive waste | Solid waste disposal |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 en75 2
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [148 pages  File size: 8,565 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	A study of the siting, construction and operation of nuclear waste storage facilities in the State of Texas.
2.	A study of the costs and methods of utilization of energy which is used for agricultural irrigation in the High Plains area.
3.	A study of the construction, siting, financing, licensing, regulation and operation of deepwater port facilities for off-loading imported petroleum off the Texas coast.
4.	The compilation of a catalog of research, development and demonstration projects currently being conducted in the State of Texas on the utilization of solar and geothermal energy resources.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Committee Report
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1801.9 EN27 65
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View document [25 pages]
Committee:	House State Energy Plan, House Joint
Title:	Interim Report - Volume 2
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 66th Legislature : report of the / House Joint Interim Committee on a State Energy Plan.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Coal mining | Energy conservation | Energy policy | Natural gas | Oil production |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 en27 2
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [279 pages  File size: 9,875 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	A study of the energy situation of the state, both present and long-term, designed to result in recommendations for legislation and regulations to implement a State Energy Plan for Texas. This study should include surveys of all the energy resources of the state and the fiscal implications of state and federal action and proposals.
Committee:	House State Energy Plan, House Joint
Title:	Interim Report - Volume 1
Library Catalog Title:	To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 66th Legislature : report of the / House Joint Interim Committee on a State Energy Plan.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Coal mining | Energy conservation | Energy policy | Natural gas | Oil production |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 en27 1
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [86 pages  File size: 4,096 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	A study of the energy situation of the state, both present and long-term, designed to result in recommendations for legislation and regulations to implement a State Energy Plan for Texas. This study should include surveys of all the energy resources of the state and the fiscal implications of state and federal action and proposals.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House State Energy Plan, House Joint
Title:	Joint committee studies.
Library Call Number:	LRL
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View document [7 pages]
Committee:	House Energy Resources
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, Sixty-fifth Legislative session / Committee on Energy Resources, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Coal mining | Electric utility rates and charges | Natural gas utility rates and charges | Wholesale natural gas prices |
Library Call Number:	L1836.64 en27
Session:	64th R.S. (1975)
Online version:	View report [45 pages  File size: 1,496 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Conduct hearings on energy issues including : coal slurry pipeline projects, utility rate structures, "take-or-pay" provisions in natural gas contracts, althernative energy sources, and the use of lignite coal. *

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

Information on this website is provided as a public service by the Legislative Reference Library. The Legislative Reference Library makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy and makes no warranty in regard to its use. Users assume all risk of reliance on the information included on this site.