HBA-NMO H.C.R. 59 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.C.R. 59
By: Eiland
Energy Resources
2/18/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

During the past 43 years, the federal government has received more than
$120 billion in offshore drilling royalties, five percent of which has been
allotted to the states. Currently before the United States Congress is S.
25, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999, which would dedicate a
larger portion of the federal offshore drilling royalties to coastal states
and communities.    

Texas provides workers, equipment, and ports of entry for oil and natural
gas mined offshore.  While this state derives benefits from the offshore
drilling industry, it also faces certain risks.  Dedicating to the states
funds currently allotted to the federal government might help this state's
efforts to renew and maintain its beaches, wetlands, urban waterfronts,
parks, public harbors, fishing piers, and other elements of coastal
infrastructure.  H.C.R. 59 urges the United States Congress to pass S. 25,
the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

H.C.R. 59 urges the United States Congress to pass S. 25, the Conservation
and Reinvestment Act of 1999. 

Provides that the Texas secretary of state forward official copies of this
resolution to the president of the United States, the speaker of the house
of representatives and the president of the senate of the United States
Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to the congress
with the request that this resolution be officially entered in the
Congressional Record as a memorial to the United States Congress.