Energy & the Environment
Re-directs funding for the System Benefit Fund to its intended purpose - to help lower electric bills for senior citizens and families in need.
ALSO SEE: Taxes & Budget Policy
Creates a new water plan for Texas that improves the flow and distribution of groundwater.
Updates the state’s long-term water plan to emphasize conservation.
These bills would decrease Texas' energy dependence by increasing energy efficiency standards for utilities and manufacturers of certain products, and increasing energy consumption measures for state government, state universities, and public schools.
Sets stricter levels for measuring air contaminants and puts the burden on air quality violators to prove they are not in violation.
Creates a discount on insurance claims for individuals who build newer, energy-efficient buildings and says that a property owners’ association may not restrict the construction of renewable energy technology.
Creates a sales-tax holiday for EnergyStar appliances worth less than $6,000 every Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend.
Provides financial assistance to low income families in order for them to meet standards required by vehicle emission tests.
Allows for businesses to exempt costs of recycling from franchise tax payments.
Promotes the use of solar energy by requiring utilities to buy back surplus energy created by solar panels on top of public schools, thus lowering electricity costs at public schools.
Allows the state to impose more stringent permitting requirements if a facility is emitting air contaminants that could cause adverse health effects to local communities.
Sets target goals for the state of Texas for electric generation capacity using combined heat and power technology by the year 2016.
Promotes solar energy by creating a rebate program to help homeowners and businesses offset the initial costs of installing solar panels and receive credit for surplus energy they produce.
Places a two-year moratorium on the construction of any coal plants.
Requires stricter controlling and enforcements for air quality standards under the Texas Clean Air Act.
Provides for the monitoring and testing of mercury emissions released from coal plants.
This package of bills provides regulation on injection wells used for "in situ uranium mining" in the state of Texas.
Every family deserves access to quality, affordable health coverage and the right to live in an environment that does not endanger their health. Today, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children and adults in the country, and leads the nation in the volume of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Democrats understand that healthy families and a healthy environment powered by cleaner energy breathe life into our economic future.
A Healthier Texas for Our Future