Bill Text: TX SB1404 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced
NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Relating to the creation of a work group to study the benefits of coal-to-nuclear electric generating facility conversion.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Vetoed) 2023-06-18 - Vetoed by the Governor [SB1404 Detail]
Download: Texas-2023-SB1404-Introduced.html
Bill Title: Relating to the creation of a work group to study the benefits of coal-to-nuclear electric generating facility conversion.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Vetoed) 2023-06-18 - Vetoed by the Governor [SB1404 Detail]
Download: Texas-2023-SB1404-Introduced.html
88R13355 KBB-D | ||
By: Parker | S.B. No. 1404 |
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relating to the creation of a work group to study the benefits of | ||
coal-to-nuclear electric generating facility conversion. | ||
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: | ||
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "work group" means the | ||
coal-to-nuclear conversion work group established under Section 2 | ||
of this Act. | ||
SECTION 2. WORK GROUP FORMATION AND ADMINISTRATION. (a) | ||
The coal-to-nuclear conversion work group is established and | ||
composed of 10 members with: | ||
(1) five members appointed by the speaker of the house | ||
of representatives; and | ||
(2) five members appointed by the lieutenant governor. | ||
(b) Individuals appointed to the work group under | ||
Subsection (a) of this section must have knowledge and experience | ||
in nuclear engineering, nuclear safety, energy policy, or economic | ||
analysis. | ||
(c) The work group shall select a member of the work group to | ||
serve as the work group's presiding officer. | ||
(d) The work group shall meet at the call of its presiding | ||
officer. | ||
(e) The work group may form committees for the efficient | ||
operation of the work group, at the discretion of the presiding | ||
officer of the work group. The presiding officer of the work group | ||
shall appoint the presiding officer of each committee group. The | ||
presiding officer of a committee may invite other members of the | ||
work group to serve on the committee. A committee may consult with | ||
subject matter experts. | ||
(f) The work group may adopt rules, procedures, and policies | ||
as necessary or convenient to administer this Act and fulfill the | ||
responsibilities of the work group. | ||
(g) A member of the work group may not receive compensation | ||
for serving on the work group but is entitled to reimbursement for | ||
expenses incurred by the member in the performance of official | ||
duties as a member of the work group as provided by the General | ||
Appropriations Act. | ||
(h) The senate and the house of representatives shall | ||
provide administrative support to the work group as necessary to | ||
implement this Act. | ||
SECTION 3. WORK GROUP DUTIES. (a) The work group shall: | ||
(1) study the benefits of converting sites in this | ||
state with coal-fired electric generating facilities to use nuclear | ||
electric generating facilities instead; and | ||
(2) develop a model plan for implementing | ||
coal-to-nuclear conversion to provide affordable and sustainable | ||
power in this state. | ||
(b) In developing the model plan, the work group shall: | ||
(1) conduct a comprehensive review of research and | ||
information on coal-to-nuclear conversion and related issues; | ||
(2) engage in stakeholder outreach to gather feedback | ||
and input from the public, industry, state agencies, and relevant | ||
organizations; | ||
(3) identify the potential benefits of | ||
coal-to-nuclear conversion, including cost-effectiveness, energy | ||
security, and reduced environmental impact; | ||
(4) assess the economic viability of coal-to-nuclear | ||
conversion and provide recommendations on financing and | ||
cost-effectiveness; and | ||
(5) consider the regulatory framework and | ||
requirements for coal-to-nuclear conversion and provide | ||
recommendations for streamlining the conversion process. | ||
(c) Not later than October 31, 2024, the work group shall | ||
submit to each standing committee of the senate and house of | ||
representatives with oversight jurisdiction over environmental | ||
concerns or electric utilities a report that includes the model | ||
plan developed under this section and any findings or | ||
recommendations made by a committee formed under Section 2(e) of | ||
this Act. | ||
SECTION 4. APPOINTMENTS. As soon as practicable, but not | ||
later than October 1, 2023, the lieutenant governor and speaker of | ||
the house of representatives shall appoint the members of the work | ||
group. | ||
SECTION 5. INITIAL MEETING. Not later than November 1, | ||
2023, the work group shall hold its initial meeting and select the | ||
presiding officer of the work group. | ||
SECTION 6. EXPIRATION. This Act expires and the work group | ||
is abolished June 30, 2025. | ||
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September | ||
1, 2023. |