Summary of 1999 Legislative Session

The 1999 Legislature enacted numerous bills affecting state environmental and natural resource agencies. SB 7 deregulated electric utilities and requires the utilities to apply for air quality permits by September 1, 2000, or cease operations by May 1, 2003. The bill also requires the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) to set air pollution emissions rates by geographic region and establish emissions credit programs.

SB 766 sets up a state regulatory process that encourages industrial facilities that are exempt from air quality standards to upgrade their emission control systems voluntarily.

SB 290 created a temporary tax exemption for oil and gas produced from certain low producing wells or leases. The exemptions runs from February 1999 through August 1999. HB 2615 extends both the high cost gas and the two-year inactive well severance tax exemptions.

SB 1421 modified the state's regulation of the subdivision or development of land in certain economically distressed areas, including colonias and provided penalties for violations.

SB 1690 provided a permanent source of funding to address coastal erosion problems. HB 2954 abolished the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority and transferred its powers, duties, personnel, and appropriations to the TNRCC effective September 1, 1999.

Interim committee charges

The Senate Natural Resource Committee received eight interim charges.

1. Air Quality: Study the challenges Texas faces in meeting federal air quality standards under the Clean Air Act and the implications for the state's future economic growth if Texas does not meet the standards.

2. Groundwater Resources: Develop a comprehensive study of the state's groundwater resources with a strong focus on the need for conservation.

3. Texas River Authorities: Review the missions and roles of all Texas river authorities, including their powers and duties, financing, fee structures, service areas, board composition, relationships with other river authorities, competition with private sector service providers, communities they serve, and their roles in and contributions to the state's water plan.

4. Low-Level Radioactive Waste: Study the necessity for storage and disposal options for low-level radioactive waste.

5. Texas Coastal Region: Identify and characterize opportunities and challenges facing the Texas Coastal Region, recognizing that the region will experience significant population growth and economic development in the future.

6. Port Expansion and Growth: Examine the issues related to port expansion and growth, including the implementation of SB 1665, which relates to the authority of certain navigation districts to acquire land, equipment, or improvements and issue bonds.

7. Oil and Gas Industry: Evaluate the future of the Texas oil and natural gas production industry.

8. Implementation of Legislation: Monitor the implementation of the following bills enacted during the 1999 Legislature: HB 2 relating to agriculture and state agricultural policy; SB 766 relating to the issuance of certain permits for the emission of air contaminants; and SB 7 on electric utility restructuring.

   Sunset review

   The following the environmental and natural resources agencies are undergoing sunset reviews during the 2000-2001 biennium: Coastal Coordination Council, Texas Energy Coordination Council, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Railroad Commission of Texas, State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and Texas Water Development Board