Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development
NOTE: This is archived committee information from the 84th Legislative Session.
Committee Information
CHAIR
Craig Estes
MEMBERS
Brian Birdwell
Troy Fraser
Bob Hall
Kelly Hancock
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Robert Nichols
Kel Seliger
Carlos Uresti
Judith Zaffirini
TEL:
(512) 463-0390
LOCATION:
Sam Houston Building, 325
Video/Audio — Archives
84th Session Interim
84th Regular Session
- May 25, 2015 — Audio only.
- May 21, 2015 (Part II) — Audio only.
- May 21, 2015 (Part I)
- May 19, 2015 (Part II)
- May 19, 2015 (Part I)
- May 14, 2015
- May 12, 2015
- May 5, 2015
- May 5, 2015 — (Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Economic Development)
- April 30, 2015
- April 28, 2015 (Part II)
- April 28, 2015 (Part I)
- April 21, 2015
- April 16, 2015 (Part II) — (Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Economic Development)
- April 16, 2015 (Part I) — (Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Economic Development)
- April 14, 2015 (Part II)
- April 14, 2015 (Part I)
- April 7, 2015 — Audio only.
- March 31, 2015 (Part II)
- March 31, 2015 (Part I)
- March 24, 2015 (Part II)
- March 24, 2015 (Part I)
- March 17, 2015
- March 10, 2015 (Part II)
- March 10, 2015 (Part I)
- February 24, 2015
- January 28, 2015
Interim Charges
- Study the impact and identify challenges Texas faces implementing proposed federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations, including, but not limited to the Clean Power Plan, Reduction of Methane & Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from oil and gas facilities, Ozone standards, Regional Haze, and Waters of the U.S. Make recommendations for legislative or constitutional action the committee considers necessary.
- Study and make recommendations regarding the use of Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) funds, including reducing air emissions from mobile sources in response to changes in ozone standards.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and necessity of programs and resources currently used to support economic development in Texas. Make recommendations regarding continuation of effective strategies, modification of existing administrative or regulatory barriers, and the reduction or elimination of ineffective programs.
- Evaluate the permitting process in Texas and neighboring states and make recommendations for eliminating unnecessary barriers and expediting the process to ensure that the regulatory process is consistent and predictable.
- Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. In this oversight and monitoring, the committee should:
- identify and recommend opportunities to streamline programs or services and enhance grid safety while maintaining the mission of ERCOT and PUC and their programs; and
- identify barriers ERCOT or PUC may have in their governance that may be appropriate to improve or eliminate.
- Study and make recommendations for solving the oil field theft problems facing Texas, including identifying the proper mechanisms for increasing enforcement effectiveness.
- Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development during the 84th Legislature, Regular Session and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
- Legislation relating to Texas aerospace incentives;
- Expedited permitting;
- Electric utility rate adjustments.