80th Legislature: Global Warming Bill Up For Committee Hearing In Senate Today

SB 945, the Global Warming Solutions Act, by Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Dallas), is up for a hearing before the Senate Natural Resources Committee this morning at 8 a.m.

Here’s an interesting note from the bill analysis [emphasis mine]:

There is virtual consensus among leading scientists that global warming is real, is caused by man-made greenhouse gas pollution, and is occurring more rapidly than climate scientists previously predicted.  Currently, Texas leads the nation in pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions.  In fact, if Texas was its own separate country, it would rank seventh in the world in carbon dioxide emissions.  Yet, at a crucial time in history, when other states and power companies are moving forward with modern strategies to decrease harmful greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of global warming, this state is still considering enlisting old polluting technology in order to meet modern energy needs.  It is integral for this state to adopt an integrated energy plan that provides for the state’s electricity generation needs, while at the same time, ensuring we reduce emissions from greenhouse gases and protecting the health and safety of this state’s residents.

Texas should be a leader in combating causes of global warming.

SB 945 would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to track and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and:

This bill also requires TCEQ to develop a statewide greenhouse gas emissions cap for the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors through regulations in an economically efficient manner that would reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2021.  This bill requires TCEQ to establish a mandatory emissions reporting system to track and monitor greenhouse gas emission levels to ensure compliance with the plan.  This bill authorizes the governor to adjust certain deadlines in the case of an emergency or significant economic harm.  Finally, this bill includes safeguards to prevent large windfall profits for private businesses, that industries or companies which have acted previously to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not penalized, and that disproportionate impacts to consumers do not result.  This bill also establishes two advisory committees to assist TCEQ in developing the plan.

I’m sure there will be at least one Senator who tries to make the argument that “global warming doesn’t exist.” I’m sure the Austin bookies could create some great spreads and odds on who might make that argument.